Large Blue Yaobian Elephant Ear Vase

This striking Large Blue Yaobian Elephant Ear Vase is a faithful reproduction of a classic Chinese porcelain form, handcrafted in Jingdezhen – the historic centre of porcelain production for over a thousand years. Finished in a rich, lustrous blue flambé (yaobian) glaze, each vase displays a unique blend of cobalt blue, violet and pale turquoise tones created naturally during the firing process, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike.

The elegant baluster body is complemented by a tall neck and a pair of beautifully modelled elephant-head handles. In Chinese culture, the elephant is a symbol of wisdom, strength, peace and good fortune, making this vase both a decorative statement and a meaningful piece inspired by traditional Chinese symbolism.

Yaobian (窑变), meaning "kiln transmutation", refers to the remarkable colour transformations that occur within the kiln as the glaze reacts to heat and atmosphere. Flambé glazes were first developed during the Song Dynasty and later perfected at the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen during the Kangxi reign (1662–1722). Created using iron and copper oxides, these glazes were prized for their depth, unpredictability and exceptional beauty, with each firing producing wonderfully individual results.

Every vase is hand-thrown on the potter's wheel before being glazed and fired by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Jingdezhen has been China's foremost porcelain-making city since 1004 AD, with its imperial kilns producing some of the finest ceramics in the world for centuries.

Porcelain occupies a unique place in Chinese history. While pottery has been made in China for over 15,000 years, true porcelain is generally believed to have emerged during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). Today, Jingdezhen continues this extraordinary tradition, producing porcelain that celebrates centuries of craftsmanship and artistic excellence.

• Origin: Jingdezhen, China
• Date: Contemporary
• Materials: Hand-thrown porcelain with blue yaobian (flambé) glaze
• Features: Handcrafted; unique kiln-transmuted glaze; elephant-head handles; each piece individually glazed so colours will vary
• Condition: Excellent new condition
• Dimensions: W37 x D37 x H54 cm
• Weight: 11kg