140.
A ‘FAMILLE VERTE’ SQUARE BALUSTER VASE
Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, early 18th century
46 cm high
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 3881.
Each of the four large panels on the body of this vase is decorated with a composition of magpies standing on different blossoming branches.
Magpie is a widespread symbol of good fortune. The origin of this meaning could be related to the old name with which this bird was known, xique, which has a homophony with “happiness” (xi). Magpies are also emblem of conjugal felicity. Even if this bird is often depicted together with prunus blossoms, in a reference to the omen of the arrival of good news which usually accompany the beginning of spring, magpies can also be associated with other species of flowers with a general meaning of an auspice for happiness.
