Large Purple Yaobian Bottle Vase

This elegant Large Purple Yaobian Bottle Vase is a faithful reproduction of a classic Chinese porcelain form, handcrafted in Jingdezhen – the historic heart of Chinese porcelain production. Finished in a spectacular purple flambé (yaobian) glaze, the vase transitions from deep aubergine and violet through soft lavender to a dramatic crimson blush around the rim. These rich, flowing colours are created naturally during firing, making every piece completely unique.

The graceful bottle-shaped silhouette is timeless in its simplicity, allowing the remarkable glaze to take centre stage. Whether displayed on its own or filled with branches or flowers, this striking vase brings depth of colour and refined craftsmanship to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Yaobian (窑变), meaning "kiln transmutation", refers to the extraordinary colour changes that occur during the firing process as the glaze reacts to heat and atmosphere. Flambé glazes were first developed during the Song Dynasty and later perfected at the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen during the Kangxi reign (1662–1722). Produced using carefully balanced iron and copper oxides, these glazes were admired for their rich depth, unpredictability and exceptional beauty, with every firing producing subtly different results.

Each vase is hand-thrown on the potter's wheel before being glazed and fired by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Jingdezhen has been China's foremost porcelain-making city since 1004 AD, with its imperial kilns producing some of the world's finest ceramics for centuries. In recognition of this extraordinary legacy, Jingdezhen's historic porcelain industry has recently been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrating over a millennium of ceramic craftsmanship.

Porcelain occupies a unique place in Chinese history. While pottery has been made in China for over 15,000 years, true porcelain is generally believed to have emerged during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). Today, Jingdezhen continues this remarkable tradition, producing porcelain that celebrates centuries of artistic excellence and technical mastery.