Antique vases are probably one of the few decorative ceramics that are equally appreciated and popular, both in the east and west.
Due to traditional and cultural differences this can be said of few other items. certain ceramic items are clearly more preferred by collectors in the west than by Chinese. On the other hand, items that the Chinese consider important may not receive the same attention in western countries.
Antique plates, dishes and chargers, for example, find a much greater interest in the west than in China itself. These plates are put in cabinets, displayed on stands or hung on the wall with specially devised hangers. Traditionally these were not considered for display in China. For a Chinese it was almost unthinkable to use a plate for decoration. Plates were purely utilitarian and not for decoration! Although antique plates and dishes are now collected too, this is mostly due to western collecting trends.
Apart from the decorative vases typical Chinese items like teapots, writing paraphernalia like brush washers, water droppers, etc., that specifically are a part of Chinese culture are more appreciated. These find less interest in the west, however. Assumedly, those who collect them today in the west often are generally interested in anything related to Chinese culture, not only antique porcelain.
Decoration Of Timeless Beauty
Vases were made in China in all sizes, but the smaller ones are generally much smaller than any European vase. Some easily can fit into a pocket. One can only wonder why these tiny things were made so small? Nevertheless, many still have been finely decorated and are now popular as vitrine objects.
Due to traditional and cultural differences this can be said of few other items. certain ceramic items are clearly more preferred by collectors in the west than by Chinese. On the other hand, items that the Chinese consider important may not receive the same attention in western countries.