Square bottle with narrative scenes of warriors in a landschape c. 1675 - 1699

This square bottle with narrative scenes was made anonymously in China, using porcelain and paint. This is not just any porcelain, but what the world knows as ‘china’ - a high-fired, vitrified, and translucent ceramic ware. Its pristine whiteness and smooth surface provide the perfect canvas for the cobalt blue scenes, painted with incredible precision. Notice how the sharp, angular form contrasts with the fluid brushstrokes of the figures. The process involves painting the design onto the fired porcelain before glazing. The resulting artwork, with its complex depiction of warriors, is a testament to the skill of generations of ceramicists. Porcelain became synonymous with global trade, desired by elites worldwide. Here, we see not just an object of beauty, but a symbol of cultural exchange, labor, and commercial enterprise. The immense work involved in extracting, refining, forming, firing, and decorating is embedded in the object. So, next time you see a piece of porcelain, remember it’s not just about aesthetics but also about the story of materials, making, and the complex world that gives it meaning.