Quatrefoil vase, Jun ware 1695 - 1795

This Jun ware quatrefoil vase was crafted by an unknown Chinese artist. Its most striking feature is its form, a quatrefoil, or four-lobed shape, which evokes the natural world, echoing the shape of flowers and leaves. This motif has ancient roots, appearing in various cultures across time. From the clover-like symbol in Celtic art to the four corners of a Byzantine cross, it frequently represents wholeness and the cardinal directions. The quatrefoil often appears in sacred architecture, illustrating a connection to the divine. Here, the vase's delicate glaze enhances the form. The subtle shifts in color, from creamy whites to hints of sky blue, suggest the influence of nature. Perhaps, subconsciously, the craftsman was attempting to capture the essence of the natural world. Such universal symbols speak to our collective memory, tapping into the deep-seated human desire to find order and meaning in the world around us. This enduring symbol, constantly reshaped by human hands, reminds us of the cyclical nature of art and how forms evolve, carrying traces of the past into the present.