Vase Imitating Realgar

Place of OriginChina

Date1750-1800

Dimensions6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)

Mediumglass

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1920.14

Not on View

DescriptionRed and orange glass, the orange appearing as the outline of a leaf and flower pattern, the red as a background. Marbled opaque red and black non-lead glasses. Elongated baluster shape; flared neck with polished rim; circular foot, polished flat, with polished concave pontil mark in the center; pontil mark. Blown and polished.

Label TextRealgar is an orange-red mineral consisting of arsenic sulfide that has a resinous luster. The ancient Chinese believed realgar was an antidote for all poisons, and therefore most effective for driving away evil spirits and killing insects.Exhibition HistoryNew York, China Institute in America, Clear as Crystal, Red as Flame, 1990, repr. (col.) p. 66.