Jar with Tubular Handles, Peonies, “Endless Knot,” Pendant Balls, and Pendant Lozenges

Mogens Balle

MEDIUMPorcelain with underglaze molded decoration
DIMENSIONS35 × 20 × 12.8 cm (13 3/4 × 7 7/8 × 5 1/16 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONArts of Asia
CULTUREChina
CREDIT LINEGift of Charles L. Hutchinson and Martin A. Ryerson

Stop and admire this porcelain jar for its exquisite detail. It beautifully combines natural imagery with a timeless symbol, creating a piece that is both decorative and deeply meaningful.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This porcelain jar, with its striking tubular handles, presents a vibrant interplay of natural and symbolic motifs. Peonies bloom across its surface, their rounded forms and delicate petals rendered in underglaze decoration, suggesting a lush garden in full bloom. The "Endless Knot," a significant Buddhist symbol representing interconnectedness and eternal harmony, is subtly integrated into the design, offering a layer of spiritual meaning. Below, a series of pendant balls and lozenges create a rhythmic border, drawing the eye around the vessel's elegant silhouette. The precise molding and the way the glaze interacts with the sculpted surface highlight the craftsmanship involved, transforming a functional object into a captivating work of art.

ART MOVEMENTS
CoBrA
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The way the tubular handles echo the curves of the jar itself.

2

Look closely at the peonies: can you see the individual petals?

3

Find the "Endless Knot" symbol, woven into the floral pattern.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop and admire this porcelain jar for its exquisite detail. It beautifully combines natural imagery with a timeless symbol, creating a piece that is both deco…

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THE ARTIST
Mogens Balle 1921–1988 · Kingdom of Denmark

Mogens Balle, a Danish painter, created vibrant, abstract works, often exploring the spontaneous and experimental.

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