A POWDER-BLUE GROUND 'CARP' ROULEAU VASE

KANGXI (1662 - 1722)

細節

A POWDER-BLUE GROUND 'CARP' ROULEAU VASE
kangxi (1662 - 1722)
The sides painted in iron red with four large carp, all reserved on a gilt-decorated powder-blue ground, the cylindrical neck with a single raised band below the wide rim, gilding worn
17 in. (44.4 cm.) high

拍品專文

The 'carp' vase was produced for both the domestic and the export market. According to Chinese legend, the yellow river carp travelled upstream to overcome the rapids of the Lung-Men (Dragon Gate), where they were magically transformed into glorious dragons. This metaphor relates to the dedication and determination required by students to succeed in passing exams. They were initially presented to recent graduates, and came to symbolise literary success in general.