61.
A POLYCHROME ENAMELLED SLEEVE VASE
Qing dynasty, circa 1660
23,2 cm high
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 4932.
The cylindrical vase is decorated on the main register with Buddhist lions striding amidst a tree peony scroll, between a zigzag band around the foot, and a honeycomb diaper ground and ruyi-heads over lappets below the shoulders with a scroll band, the neck with a lotus scroll.
Buddhist lions are seen in Chinese culture as protective beasts, also representative of strength and wisdom.
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”.
A jar and cover, similarly decorated, is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (inv. n. 21.1081).
