Vase
1522-66 (made)
Place of origin |
This thickly potted vase is made of porcelain and is painted with cobalt blue under the glaze. It has been formed in the shape of a double gourd. The gourd is closely associated with Daoism. Li Tieguai, one of the eight Daoist immortals is often depicted carrying a double gourd which was said to contain a magical elixir. It is symbolic of longevity, magic and medicine. The character 'Shou' meaning longevity is a common decorative motif on Chinese ceramics and it was often used to decorate birthday gifts in the hope that the recipient would enjoy a long life.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | |
Brief description | Cer, China, Ming, vase |
Physical description | Thickly potted porcelain vase in the shape of a double gourd, painted with cobalt blue under the glaze with the character 'Shou' meaning Longevity, repeated in various styles all over the vase. |
Dimensions |
|
Styles | |
Production type | Mass produced |
Credit line | Given from the Bloxam Collection |
Subjects depicted | |
Association | |
Summary | This thickly potted vase is made of porcelain and is painted with cobalt blue under the glaze. It has been formed in the shape of a double gourd. The gourd is closely associated with Daoism. Li Tieguai, one of the eight Daoist immortals is often depicted carrying a double gourd which was said to contain a magical elixir. It is symbolic of longevity, magic and medicine. The character 'Shou' meaning longevity is a common decorative motif on Chinese ceramics and it was often used to decorate birthday gifts in the hope that the recipient would enjoy a long life. |
Bibliographic reference | Ayers, John, 'Far Eastern Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum' Monochrome plate 159. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.134-1928 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | December 3, 2008 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest