132.
A ‘FAMILLE VERTE’ ROULEAU BALUSTER VASE
Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, early 18th century
47 cm high
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 3838.
The contemporary presence of the phoenix (fenghuang) and the qilin is rather common as decoration of porcelain of the Kangxi period. While the first is associated with the yin female principle, in complementary opposition to the dragon which incarnates the yang male principle, the mythological bird considered as a consequence the main symbol of the empress, the qilin is an imaginary animal which represents a number of positive attributes, such as benevolence, longevity, happiness and wisdom.
The appearance of both the phoenix and the qilin is considered an omen of a period of prosperity, which usually occurs during the reign of virtuous sovereigns.
