Xuande Blue-and-White Four Heavenly Kings Guaner Vase

This is a Xuande-period blue-and-white guaner vase decorated with the Four Heavenly Kings. It has a rounded body, full shoulders, a straight neck, and a pair of symmetrical tubular handles at the shoulders, giving it a dignified, well-proportioned form. Figures and cloud motifs are painted throughout in blue and white, with finely rendered robes and nuanced shades of cobalt; additional decoration appears on the neck and foot. The composition is intricate yet orderly, and the glaze is lustrous white. (Height 29.5 cm, body diameter 16 cm)