A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE ROULEAU VASE

REPUBLIC PERIOD

Details

A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE ROULEAU VASE
REPUBLIC PERIOD
Decorated in a painterly style on one side with a bearded official standing with two attendants, the female attendant behind him holding a fan, the other holding a tray set with a jue and a peony blossom, and the reverse is decorated with pengzai grouping of pine, prunus and bamboo (The Three Friends of Winter) in a jardinière, all below decorative bands on the neck and galleried rim.
31 in. (78.8 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The scholar’s robe, headdress, heavy beard and high boots worn by the official on this vase may indicate he represents Zhongkui, one of the most popular Chinese mythological figures. Although best known as a queller of demons, Zhongkui could also be the bestower of various auspicious wishes, which would be defined by the various objects that may accompany him. On the present vase, he is presented by one attendant with a tray supporting a jue and a peony blossom, their combination forming the rebus, jiaguan jinjue, which conveys the wish for advancement in official rank.

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