Ming Dynasty Yongle Blue and White Islamic Basin Ancient Porcelain

  
Ming Yongle Blue and White Floral Islamic Basin. The Islamic wash basin is modeled after metallic vessels used in West Asia for religious purposes. A small quantity of blue and white porcelain models were produced during the Yongle and Xuande eras of the Ming Dynasty, probably for trading with the Muslim world. Our example is decorated in underglaze blue, using Persian cobalt. The walls of the basin are decorated with an intertwined floral design, while the center is adorned with the Eight Auspicious Symbols in a lotus petal arrangement. The vessel is thickly potted. Due to the extra thickness of the glaze, the surfaces are well protected is afforded an almost new look. Microscopic examination, however, reveal the true age of the object with advanced development of crystals from the Persian cobalt, and surface pits that developed due to centuries of corrosion resulting from air exposure. Other characteristics of Persian cobalt, which include the heap and pile effect as well as pigment diffusion are evident. These all help to identify this piece being from early Ming dynasty. The lack of a reign mark further identifies this to be from the Yongle era (1402 -1424) as most porcelains from this period are unmarked. The Yongle Islamic basin is extremely rare.

The Palace Museum in Beijing has two examples of this vessel, one of them has a similar size and design as the current vessel, and the other one a few centimeters smaller. The National Palace Museum of Taipei also has two, both of smaller size. We are proud to note that the artistry of our vessel is more refined than the aforementioned museum examples.

Microscopic Identification and Age Signs. Microscopic examination is used to positively identify the period and age of this Chenghua doucai cup.

The following microscopic features evidence the ancient nature of this porcelain vessel. The underglaze blue pigments are formulated with Persian cobalt. It is identified by color diffusion, deposits of impurities, and most importantly, formation of crystals from within the glaze. The attached microscope pictures show distinct crystals that require several hundred years to form, attesting to the age of this doucai cup. This type of cobalt came from the middle east and was available only during the Yuan dynasty and early part of Ming dynasty, up to the middle of the Chenghua era. The presence of Persian cobalt provides evidence that this cup is from the Ming dynasty since it has never been successfully duplicated with modern technology. Net like corrosion patterns have formed within the Persian cobalt rust spot. These patterns are found together with crystals mentioned above. These corrosion lines are typically found on ancient porcelains several hundred years old. Corrosion pits cover the surface of the glaze.

These pits only appear on porcelains several hundred years old. Red iron oxide grains are found on the foot rim. These are formed as a result of seepage of iron oxide molecules that coagulate on unglazed surfaces. These can be found on ancient porcelains from the middle of the Qing dynasty and older. All of the above old age signs are evident on the attached microscope pictures.

For background on Chinese antiques authentication, see the article "Unveiling the Authenticity of Ancient Porcelains" on this page. Diameter 31.3cm 12.3 inches. Height 13.8cm 5.4 inches. The basin is in excellent condition with no signs of breakage or cracks.