Celestial-globe vase

This style of vase is known in Chinese as tianqiuping (celestial-globe vase). It was first seen in the early 1400s in blue-and-white porcelain made at the imperial kilns. The shape was not revived until the Kangxi period (1662–1722). It was one of the most popular shapes of decorative vases for use in the imperial palaces and was made in a variety of sizes with a range of glazes and decoration. This vase is exceptionally large and has an unusually wide neck.