Authentic Kangxi Langyao Hong Double-Gourd Vase: Microstructural, Stylistic, and Typological Authentication of Qing Dynasty Monochrome Copper-Red Glazes

Nona Dronova, Doctor of Technical Sciences, ProfessorORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4867-9074 This study presents a comprehensive technical and stylistic authentication of a double-gourd porcelain vase from the Kangxi reign (1662–1722), Qing dynasty, with monochrome copper-red glaze known as Langyao hong (郎窑红) or sang-de-boeuf. The research integrates macroscopic visual diagnostics, optical microscopy, and comparative typological analysis with published museum references. Morphological analysis confirms canonical Kangxi double-gourd proportions, with a slender upper bulb and broad lower bulb. The glaze exhibits a natural run-off band at the foot, long-flow craze lines at the waist, and a feathered red–white interface — all diagnostic of authentic reduction-fired copper-red glazes from the period. Microscopic analysis of the six-character underglaze-blue reign mark (大清康熙年製) reveals heaped-and-piled cobalt granulation, with distinct dark clusters and pale halos, consistent with authentic Kangxi cobalt pigment behavior. The biscuit body shows iron-rich inclusions (“apricot-skin” foot) and occasional dark kiln specks at the glaze–body interface, corresponding to raw materials from Jingdezhen kilns of the late 17th–early 18th century. Subsurface bubbles of varying size confirm period firing dynamics. The diagnostic set — form, glaze flow, cobalt microstructure, and raw-body inclusions — aligns with authentic Kangxi production technology. This report provides high-resolution photographic documentation and a structured attribution protocol, intended for museum authentication, academic study, and connoisseurship. DOI cross-references link to the author’s previous works on Southern Song Guan yao artistic evaluation and Ming dynasty glaze microstructure studies. Metadata Keywords English: Kangxi, Qing dynasty, Langyao hong, sang-de-boeuf, copper-red glaze, double gourd, porcelain authentication, heaped-and-piled cobalt, apricot-skin foot, glaze microstructure, Jingdezhen kilns, reduction firingChinese: 康熙, 清代, 郎窑红, 牛血红釉, 铜红釉, 葫芦瓶, 瓷器鉴定, 堆蓝, 杏皮足, 釉面微观结构, 景德镇窑, 还原焰烧成 DOI Cross-References Dronova, N. (2025). Classification of Chinese Porcelain by Artistic Level and Diagnostic Features… Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16784657 Dronova, N. (2025). Southern Song Guan Yao Official Kilns: Artistic Evaluation and Visual Protocol. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16732160 Dronova, N. (2025). Ming Dynasty Chenghua Doucai Glazes: Microstructural Analysis and Authenticity Criteria. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16762103 References Valenstein, S. (1998). A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Pierson, S. (1996). Kangxi Porcelain Wares from the Shanghai Museum Collection. Yale University Press. Wood, N. (2007). Chinese Glazes: Their Origins, Chemistry and Recreation. A&C Black. Kerr, R., & Wood, N. (2004). Science and Civilisation in China, Vol.5, Pt.12: Ceramic Technology. Cambridge University Press. He Li (1996). Chinese Ceramics: A New Standard Guide. Thames & Hudson. Dronova, N. (2025). Classification of Chinese Porcelain by Artistic Level and Diagnostic Features… Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16784657