Description: 宋 精美定窯御用琮型九節方瓶 A Rare & Exquisite Song Dynasty Dingyao Jade-Cong Shaped Vase with Jiujie Motifs Symbolizing the Imperial Power A Cong Shaped Vase like this is fired for royal sacrificial purposes rather than daily usage. Due to its technically demanding craftsmanship, the vase is a rare find among Song Dynasty dingyao ceramic ware. A comparable sacrificial ding tripod, applying similar skills of sprinkling gold/different color over a brown glazed body, was once auctioned at Soong Mei-Ling or Madam Chiang Kai-shek's 1999 Collection Sale at her former Locust Valley Mansion in Long Island, NY. Unlike ceramic bowls/plates for commoners, official Dingyao ware made for the royal court usage boasts of its refined workmanship, especially for those shaped after ancient jade objects and bronze vessels. Height: 9 1/4 inches (24.5 cm) Mouth & Foot Diameter: 3 3/4 inches (9.53 cm)