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Chinese Shiwan Ware Figural Vase with Molded Luohan Relief, Late 19th Century

Chinese white-glazed stoneware vase with high-relief figures of immortals and a stippled background, late Qing Dynasty. - view 1
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Estimated value

$150 - $450

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Era

Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1880-1920)

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Authenticity

Moderate(65%)
20

CHINESE SHIWAN WARE FIGURAL VASE WITH MOLDED LUOHAN RELIEF, LATE 19TH CENTURY: IDENTIFICATION

A robust stoneware vase featuring high-relief molded figures of Luohan (immortals) against a granulated background. The vessel displays a thick, creamy 'eggshell' glaze over a buff-colored body, with a characteristic beaded or 'pearl' border at the flared rim. The central field is decorated with a spade-shaped cartouche and a distinctive stippled texture achieved through slip-trailing or molding, typical of the Shiwan kilns in Guangdong province.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase, Han Dynasty Style Glazed Ceramic Boar Figurine, Chinese Blue and White 'Three Friends of Winter' Stem Cup, Ming Style.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Ceramics1868-1912

Hirado ware often utilized similar high-relief figural molding on white porcelain during the Meiji period.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •The Luohan figures depicted represent Buddhist disciples who achieved enlightenment, frequently placed in domestic shrines for protection and wisdom.

Meaning Through Time

Late 19th Century

Essentially a high-end decorative export for European parlors during the 'Chinoiserie' revival.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

Shiwan ware, produced in the Foshan region of Guangdong, reached high levels of international export popularity during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Unlike the refined imperial porcelain of Jingdezhen, Shiwan was celebrated for its expressive, sculptural qualities and 'fat' glazes that ...
Shiwan ware, produced in the Foshan region of Guangdong, reached high levels of international export popularity during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Unlike the refined imperial porcelain of Jingdezhen, Shiwan was celebrated for its expressive, sculptural qualities and 'fat' glazes that mimicked earlier Jun or Guan wares. This specific style of white glaze with granulated backing was frequently produced for the Western 'Orientalist' market between 1880 and 1910.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 101 ceramics items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Square seal mark is consistent with late 19th-century export marks but lacks clarity
  • Style is heavily reproduced in the mid-20th century (1950s-70s) using similar stoneware
  • Wear on the footrim appears consistent with a 100-year age profile
How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

Identification as Shiwan export ware is high based on the specific glaze/texture combination, though the blurred mark prevents a definitive kiln attribution.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Granulated background texture is a hallmark of Shiwan export stoneware.
  • 2Form of the molded figures (costume and facial features) aligns with late Qing iconography.
  • 3Beaded rim motif is typical of the 1880-1910 production window for the Canton region.
  • 4The buff-colored unglazed footrim is diagnostic of Guangdong stoneware clays.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Lower body hairline crack suggests structural fragility.
  • •Recessed square mark is common on later 20th-century reproductions; requires rubbing for full identification.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Obtain a clear, high-resolution macro photograph of the base mark using side-lighting.
  • →Perform a 'ring test' by gently tapping the rim to determine the depth and resonance of the base crack.
  • →Examine the interior for glaze flow patterns to confirm hand-poured vs. industrial dipping.

CONDITION & GRADE

Good (due to structural cracks)

Grading breakdown

The primary value detractor is the visible fissure at the base; however, the relief figures remain intact with no significant chipping to the high points of the molding.

Condition

Significant vertical hairline crack visible near the base extending upward. The unglazed footrim shows expected oxidation and shelf wear, while the recessed square seal mark is partially obscured by glaze pooling.

Weight & feel

Estimated weight of 1.5 to 2.2 kg, suggesting the dense, thick-walled stoneware construction common to the Foshan kilns.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$150 - $450

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Private collectors of late Qing export ceramics and interior decorators seeking textured Asian antiques.

What increases value

  • •Integrity of the high-relief molding
  • •Clarity of the basal mark
  • •Size (larger examples command a exponential premium)

What lowers value

  • •The large vertical crack greatly reduces auction appeal
  • •Obscured mark makes specific workshop attribution difficult

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Hand-modeled figures rather than molded ones
  • •Bi-color or polychrome glazes
  • •Documented workshop marks such as 'Chen Yuehua'

Grade & condition

Glaze integrity, presence of cracks or chips in reliefs, and visibility of the reign/workshop mark.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar ceramics objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BR

bruinsma
The Connoisseur•59 items

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