Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An elegant porcelain bottle vase featuring a long, slender neck and a bulbous body, decorated in the classic Famille Verte palette against a soft celadon-green ground. The hand-painted scene depicts legendary rebel heroes from the classic 14th-century Chinese novel 'Water Margin' (Shuihu Zhuan), complete with identifying name banners on their garments.
Story
Published in the 14th century, 'Water Margin' is one of China's Great Classical Novels, detailing a band of 108 outlaws who gather at Mount Liang to fight corrupt officials. This vase brings those beloved folk heroes to life, serving as a piece of narrative theater in porcelain form.
Maker / Origin
While bearing an apocryphal six-character mark of the Kangxi Emperor (1662–1722) on the base, this vase was crafted by highly skilled, anonymous artisans in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these workshops specialized in reviving the celebrated styles, glazes, and historical narratives of the early Qing Dynasty.
Condition & Value
The vase appears to be in very good condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major enamel loss. There is minor, expected wear on the unglazed foot rim consistent with age. Excellent condition commands a premium.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.