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Vase

Vase

  • Place of origin:

    Jingdezhen, China (made)

  • Date:

    1522-66 (made)

  • Credit Line:

    Bloxham gift

  • Museum number:

    C.134-1928

  • Gallery location:

    On Display

  • Image unavailable

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.

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.

Place of Origin

Jingdezhen, China (made)

Date

1522-66 (made)

Dimensions

Height: 23.75 in, Diameter: 12.5 in

Descriptive line

Cer, China, Ming, vase

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Ayers, John, 'Far Eastern Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum' Monochrome plate 159.

Associated names

Rev. J.F. Bloxam

Materials

Porcelain; Glaze; Cobalt

Techniques

Painted; Glazed; Fired

Subjects depicted

Trees; Plants; Peaches; Gourd; Chinese characters

Production Type

Mass produced

Collection code

EAS

Qr_O176542
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