Chinese Meiping Vase Value Guide

This early 20th-century Chinese Meiping vase is a classic example of the 'plum vase' silhouette, characterized by its high, wide shoulders and narrow base. Highly collectible for its striking blue and green drip glaze, this ceramic piece represents a transition from functional wine storage to refined decorative art.

What Is Chinese Meiping Vase Worth?

The typical price range for Chinese Meiping Vase is $300 - $400 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the ceramic body, specifically looking for chips or cracks in the delicate narrow neck.
• The vibrancy and flow of the blue and green drip glaze, with more complex patterns commanding higher prices.
• Historical provenance and evidence of the 1900-1940 era of origin.
• Overall symmetry and the execution of the traditional 'plum vase' form.

How to Identify Chinese Meiping Vase?

• Look for the signature Meiping profile with a small, narrow neck and a broad, rounded shoulder tapering to a slim foot.
• Examine the drip glaze for natural variations in blue and green pigments consistent with 1900-1940 production techniques.
• Check the base for signs of hand-finished ceramic construction typical of early 20th-century Chinese craftsmanship.
• Verify the proportions; authentic Meiping vases are designed specifically to support the weight of a single plum blossom branch.

History of Chinese Meiping Vase

Meiping vases originated in China during the Tang Dynasty and were initially used to display plum blossoms, hence the name 'Meiping' which translates to 'plum vase.' Over centuries, their use expanded to holding wine and as decorative objects, becoming symbols of status and refinement in Chinese culture.