Small Vase

This small vase in the shape of a fruit, probably a pomegranate, is decorated with sprays of peaches and the unusual fruit known as Buddha’s hand citron. The clay used is of an exceptionally fine type known as “soft paste,” which was developed in the early part of the eighteenth century. A much more expensive material than the hard-paste usually used in Chinese porcelain, it was probably reserved for small and very choice objects displayed on the scholar’s desk.

Source: Vignon, Charlotte. The Frick Collection Decorative Arts Handbook. New York: The Frick Collection/Scala, 2015.