Red Glaze Vase Appraisal

Sang de Boeuf Glazed Bottle Vase

This is a classical Chinese bottle-form vase, characterized by its elegant and slender neck flaring gently to a slightly wider mouth, transitioning smoothly into a full, globular body. The vase is adorned with a rich, deep red 'sang de boeuf' (ox-blood) glaze, which exhibits a remarkable intensity and lustrous sheen. The color is not uniform; it subtly darkens towards the bottom of the body, creating a gradient effect, and some areas on the shoulder and body show slight variations in the depth of the red, suggesting the characteristic pooling and streaking of this type of glaze. The rim of the mouth is a distinguishing feature, revealing a pale, celadon-like or creamy white glaze 'draining' from the lip, a desirable effect known as 'strawberry lip' or 'white rim' in sang de boeuf glazes, indicating careful firing. The ceramic body itself appears to be of fine porcelain, given the thinness of the rim visible. No obvious chips, cracks, or repairs are discernible from the provided images, indicating good overall condition. The quality of the glaze, its uniformity aside from the intentional variations, and the classic form suggest a piece of considerable craftsmanship, likely from a significant period of Chinese ceramic production. The reflections on the glossy surface indicate a very smooth and well-fired glaze. Based on the form and glaze, it likely dates from the Qing Dynasty, possibly Kangxi, Yongzheng, or Qianlong periods, when such monochrome glazes were highly prized. It is displayed on a simple, modern-looking grey stand, suggesting it is a museum piece or part of a curated collection.