製堂和中亥辛熙康 Kangxi period (1672) magnificent Chinese porcelain vase with battle scene (story of Mu Guiying- female general from N. Song dynasty), certified. Signed with 8 characters: 康熙辛亥中和堂製 left to right, 製堂和中亥辛熙康 right to left, which means the vase was made by Zhong He Tang (kiln) in Xin Hai year (10th year) of Kang Xi Emperor reign time. Signed with eight characters, large Chinese porcelain vase with battle scene, with 4 red decorative handles in the shape of dragons. Height: 16.5 inches = 41.91 cm; Upper opening diameter: 7.67 inches = 19.5 cm; Base diameter: 7.67 inches = 19.5 cm; Width: 12.5 inches = 31.75 cm; Weight: 18.6 lb. = 8.436 kg = 8 kg 436 g; Condition: some normal usage and wear, pertinent to the age, tiny craquelures, and signs of vitrification, which confirm the age. No cracks or other flaws. SPLICING TECHNOLOGY: In the Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, due to the limitations of the porcelain-making process, the production of porcelain often needed to be completed by splicing, especially before the Kangxi Dynasty, this technique was more common. Splicing technology refers to the process of shaping different parts of porcelain to form a whole. Due to the internal and external bulge of clay at the butt, the obvious characteristics of the inner and outer circles are formed, especially on the outer surface of the porcelain, which can be seen similar to the "waist line", while the inner hall is more prominent because of the more sloppy treatment. Not every dynasty porcelain has obvious clay marks, so according to the different clay marks, it is also one of the bases for identifying the dynasty of porcelain. With the development of porcelain-making technology, after the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, the porcelain-making process reached a new height, most porcelain adopts the method of one-time blank molding, and no longer needs the clay technology, so there is no trace of inside the porcelain. In the Yongzheng period, due to the progress of tire repair technology, the surface of the utensils became more regular, and the characteristics of the clay marks basically disappeared. STORY: The porcelain vase was painted with the story of Mu Guiying, a famous female general from Northern Song dynasty, who led the troops to fight on the battlefield. She is holding a blue flag. Mu Guiying (穆桂英) is a legendary heroine from ancient China's Northern Song Dynasty and a prominent figure in the Generals of the Yang Family legends. She is the wife of Yang Zongbao and mother of Yang Wenguang. Brave, resolute and loyal, Mu is the cultural symbol of a steadfast woman.[1] Mu Guiying practiced martial arts from a young age after her bandit father Mu Yu (穆羽) who ruled the Muke Fortress (穆柯寨). One day Yang Zongbao, the youngest warrior of the illustrious Yang clan, came to the fortress demanding the Dragon-Taming Wood (降龍木) on the order of his father, Marshall Yang Yanzhao. Mu refused so they fought in a duel which resulted in Yang Zongbao being captured. While Yang Zongbao refused to surrender and demanded death, Mu found herself attracted to her prisoner and boldly made a marriage proposal, which Yang Zongbao eventually accepted. After Yang Zongbao returned and reported the events, an infuriated Yang Yanzhao ordered the disgraced son executed. To save Yang Zongbao, Mu came out of the fortress and engaged in a battle with Yang Yanzhao, also capturing him. Mu apologized to her future father-in-law and finally Yang Yanzhao agreed to the marriage and welcomed Mu to his family and troops. Mu played a huge part in the following battle against the Khitan forces, especially in breaking their previously unstoppable Heavenly Gate Formation (天門陣). Mu Guiying had 2 children with Yang Zongbao, son Yang Wenguang and daughter Yang Jinhua. Her life is full of ups and downs, full of legends. The story of Mu Guiying taking command has become a classic for future generations. Mu Guiying's ascension to the command refers to the story of her hanging up the flag of commander and leading the army to resist foreign enemies after the death of her husband Qi Jiguang. Mu Guiying was born in a military family, read poetry and books since she was a child, and was proficient in the art of war. She was intelligent and witty, had an extraordinary talent for military affairs, and was loved by her parents. After marrying Qi Jiguang, she always participated in military affairs with her husband to resist the invasion of Liao. However, Qi Jiguang unfortunately died in a battle against the Liao army, and Mu Guiying hung up the flag of commander and continued to lead the army to fight stubbornly against the enemy. Mu Guiying was in command, she was wearing a battle robe and holding a steel weapon, leading a brave army, bravely killing the enemy, and swearing to defend her homeland. Under her leadership, the army won successive battles, dealt a heavy blow to the Liao invaders, and showed strong combat effectiveness and unyielding will. - PROVENANCE: this item comes from the private collection of Lou A. and Barbara B. Pritchett from Philippines. Lou Pritchett was the ex-Vice President of Procter and Gamble. Lou Pritchett rose through the ranks at Procter & Gamble and was instrumental in the creation of the partnership between Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart. Pritchett was instrumental in bringing Proctor & Gamble to the Philippines during his time there. Now retired, Lou is a sought-after public speaker and author of Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat. CERTIFICATION: Certificate on 10 pages is available in English and Chinese, written by an expert member of Chinese Painter Calligrapher Association (CPCA), master degree, from Jingdezhen, China.