A Chinese Sacrificial Blue Glaze Jar A Chinese sacrificial blue glaze jar Of short straight neck, round shoulder tapering to foot rim, the sacrificial blue glaze is covered all around the body. The rich cobalt blue seen on the current vase is sometimes referred to as 'sacrificial blue'. This name derives from the use of vessels bearing this colour glaze during sacrifices at the Imperial Altar of Heaven. In AD 1369 the first Ming dynasty emperor Hongwu issued an edict declaring that the vessels used on the Imperial altars should henceforth be made of porcelain. In good condition. Height:19.2cm, Width:15.5cm, Condition: Good condition, some wear commensurate with age. Provenance: Previously from assets of Russell & Co., the American company in the Far East in the 19th century, founded by Samul Russell.