60.
A POLYCHROME ENAMELLED SLEEVE VASE
Qing dynasty, circa 1660
36,5 cm high
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 4869.
The cylindrical vase is decorated in the mid section of the body with quatrefoil cartouches enclosing foliate chrysanthemum blossoms and upright and pendent lappet shaped cartouches above the foot and below shoulders, enclosing foliate lotus and peony blossoms, respectively and alternating with ruyi-heads, all reserved against a scale diaper ground, between zigzag and scroll borders. The neck with branches issuing from rockwork reserved against pearl diaper ground.
The peony, associated with the third month, is known as the ‘king of flowers’ as well as Fu gui hua, meaning “the flower of wealth and honour”.
The chrysanthemum (ju) represents autumn and is symbolic of long life because the name sounds similar to the word meaning “long enduring”.
The lotus (lianhua), one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, is symbolic of purity.
