30.7 cm (height), 11.2 (rim diameter), and 13.7 cm (base diameter)
The Southern Song dynasty Longquan kilns, renowned for their celadons, are famous for producing works with a delicate powder-blue glaze, and this vase is a representative masterpiece. Its mallet-shaped form earned it the nickname “mallet-shaped vase.” Standing at an impressive height of 30.7 cm, this artifact is exceptionally large for its type. Its grand scale and challenging production reflect expert craftsmanship. The circular rim is fitted with a copper band, designed to protect the thin edge and accentuate the soft blue glaze. The vase was once part of the Emperor Qianlong’s (reigned 1735–1796) treasured collection. On the base of the vase is an imperial poem titled “A Song on the Mallet-shaped Vase from the Guan Kiln,” which reads “Shaoju has long surpassed Chuzhou, who would dare belittle the Guan ware legacy? Even now, at temples and markets, who adheres to the ancient Song methods? The glaze is free from fire blemishes, and the combination of glossy cyan and soft alabaster makes it elegantly smooth. If we talk about mallet forms from official kilns, they should be remembered alongside Chengxin ware.” The poem ends with the signature “Qianlong, Spring of 1779,” indicating the emperor’s detailed knowledge of the vase’s origin, glaze, period, and form.