Another possibly uniquely shaped vase is this Scallped Rim Vase. This beautifully proportioned, petite 4 5/8" tall vase has 8 shallow scallops on the rim. Very nicely decorated with a deep blue color. The rain cloud border is around the top of the vase. We have never seen another example in collections or in Canton books.
These rare Bulbous Shaped Vases (sometimes called Gu form vase) are highly desirable as they are a useful form for floral displays and mantle piece decorations. Common decoration between these two vases are the "Ming type leaves on the neck" (Schiffer) or Acanthus leaves and the flowers ringing the bases. Differences between the two are the rain cloud borders inside the top rim and on the lower base on the larger vase whereas the smaller vase has no rain cloud borders but has a curlicue design on the top outside rim. We have not seen this curlicue design on any other Canton forms. "Acanthus" leaves also decorate Canton Water Bottles and Ewers as well as on other Chinese patterns such as Fitzhugh pattern bulbous vases.
Bough Pots are vases that hold cut flowers. They are very rare and, unfortunately, we do not have a picture of an original one or know the exact dimensions of them. However, a picture of a pair is on page 241 of Herbert Schiffer's 1975 book. The bough pots have a flared top with a square middle section on a stepped base. They are very elaborately decorated with Canton scene panels on four sides and rope like twisted handles on two sides. There are berries or buds on vines all over the pots.
This unusual and beautiful 5 1/4" tall vase form is, we believe, unique. It has a 5/16" wide brass band around the top rim. What is missing from the usual Canton pattern is the rain cloud border but it does have the usual XXXXX band around the top. Possibly, but not probably, the rain cloud border might be under the brass band? A wonderful piece and a very important form in the Canton Museum!
A very rare Canton form known as a Moon Vase/Flask or Pilgrim Vase. This beautiful Moon Flask has a rich blue color and the typical Canton scene on each of the sides but instead of the usual rain cloud border it has a Greek Key border around the neck's top. The ends of the flask are embellished with trailing vines as well as various objects below the handles all of which do not appear on other Canton forms. There is also an interesting, applied triangular motif just below the arched handles. Each side has a mirror image of the Canton scene. The 1 1/8" high base of the vase is quite small and makes the vase top heavy and a bit precarious.
