Luqing Porcelain Carving Celadon Vase — Masterpiece Xi Shi Legend, 40cm

Description

Master artisans hand-engrave this Porcelain Carving Luqing celadon vase with a scene of Xi Shi — the foremost of China‘s Four Great Beauties. This vessel is crafted in the form of a double-handled deer zun vase, made from Luqing celadon from Zibo, Shandong. The carved figure on the body depicts Xi Shi, one of the four great beauties of ancient Chinese history. Due to the exceptionally high firing temperature, each kiln yields very few finished pieces — especially large vase forms — making them exceedingly rare and highly treasured by collectors.

The Cultural Significance of the Celadon Double-Handled Deer Zun Vase

The “Deer-Headed Zun” vessel form was first created during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty and flourished under the Qianlong Emperor. Emperor Qianlong held a particular fondness for this motif, having court painters document the royal hunting ceremony “Mulan Qiuxian” (Autumn Hunt at Mulan) in paintings, which were then reproduced on Hundred Deer Zun vessels by Jingdezhen artisans. This imbued the vessel with the political and cultural symbolism of the Qing Dynasty — “revering heaven and ancestors, never forgetting the art of horsemanship and archery.”

The deer (lu) is a homophone for “emolument” (lu), symbolizing wealth and official advancement. The vase (ping) shares its sound with “peace” (ping), representing safety and harmony. The term “Zun” refers to an ancient ritual vessel, signifying dignity and nobility. The celadon glaze, warm and smooth as jade, embodies the Confucian ideal of inner refinement and restraint. The paired handles symbolize harmony and completeness. Together, the form and ornamentation express aspirations for career success, domestic peace, familial unity, and enduring prosperity and longevity.

The Cultural Significance of Celadon Carved Beauty Xi Shi

Xi Shi is celebrated as the foremost of China’s legendary “Four Great Beauties.” Her story, however, transcends mere physical beauty — the “sinking fish” legend represents the ideal of Eastern feminine grace, while her role in the struggle between Wu and Yue, where she endured hardship and devoted herself to her country, embodies deeper themes of sacrifice, wisdom, and loyalty. When this legendary figure is rendered on celadon through the art of carving, the jade-like quality of the glaze echoes the Confucian virtue of restrained elegance, while the artisan’s knife — guided by the principle of “flowing like wind through robes” — captures the spirit as vividly as the form. The fusion of beauty, celadon, and carving carries multiple layers of meaning: a celebration of feminine ideal, a tribute to noble character and patriotic devotion, and a continuation of historical legends in contemporary life. Displayed in the study or tea room of a refined scholar, it embodies aspirations for wisdom, integrity, and a life of peace.

Display Scenarios for the Home

The principle of display is “solitude and prominence” — the vessel should be presented alone to fully reveal its value and elegance.

A Chinese Lucky Charm for the Bedroom and Study

In Chinese culture, Xi Shi represents beauty, wisdom, devotion, and the ideal of love and sacrifice. Her image on this Porcelain Carving Luqing celadon vase serves as a meaningful Chinese lucky charm for the bedroom or study. It invites aesthetic refinement, intellectual cultivation, and harmonious relationships into your personal space. In feng shui decorating, placing a vase featuring Xi Shi in the bedroom or study is believed to enhance the energy of love and creativity, while also honoring the ideals of wisdom and devotion. For scholars and collectors of classical Chinese culture, it represents the ideal of “beauty in the eye of the beholder” — a reminder that true beauty lies in perception, appreciation, and the art of living well.

The Art of Porcelain Engraving

Porcelain engraving originated in Zibo during the Qing Dynasty (1776). In 2013, Zibo porcelain engraving was inscribed on the Shandong Provincial List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Master engravers carve intricate scenes into the celadon surface using only a few engraving tools and a small hammer. On a vase of this scale, the artisan must maintain unwavering precision across the entire surface — each stroke is permanent, and one misplaced cut cannot be erased. The jade-like celadon glaze provides a perfect backdrop, its subtle green tones evoking the misty streams and timeless elegance of the Xi Shi legend.

Masterpiece Collection — For the Discerning Collector

This Porcelain Carving Luqing celadon vase belongs to our Masterpiece Collection. A master artisan creates each piece as a one-of-a-kind work, dedicating decades of skill to perfecting the craft of porcelain engraving. Each piece represents a singular expression of the artisan’s mastery — to be cherished, studied, and passed down through generations.

Available by Private Viewing

This piece is available exclusively by private viewing. We invite you to request a personal consultation to learn more about its creation and the artisan behind it.

Why This Piece Matters:

• 100% hand-engraved — a master artisan creates each piece using traditional techniques

• Luqing celadon — one of the world‘s four great celadons, with a thousand-year history

• Xi Shi legend — the foremost of China’s Four Great Beauties, symbolizing beauty, wisdom, and devotion

• Deer-head vase form — a classic vessel shape symbolizing good fortune and prosperity

• Chinese lucky charm — brings aesthetic refinement, wisdom, and harmonious relationships to your personal space

• National intangible cultural heritage — a living piece of Chinese craft history

• Perfect size — 40cm tall, ideal for bedroom or study display

• Masterpiece Collection — a one-of-a-kind work for the discerning collector

Investment Range:

Approximately $4,200 – $14,000 USD. Final price is determined by design complexity, dimensions, and craftsmanship requirements. Please inquire for a detailed quotation.

Masterwork Ordering & Delivery Policy

Each masterwork is made to order — there is no ready stock. Please allow approximately 60 days for creation and dispatch, as each piece undergoes a meticulous, handcrafted process.  Upon receiving your inquiry, we will contact you to discuss the technical details, artistic considerations, and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote. We will keep you informed of the progress throughout the entire process. For full details, or to begin your bespoke commission, please refer to our Masterwork Ordering & Delivery Policy below or contact us directly.