Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722) Culture:China Medium:Soft paste porcelain painted in underglaze blue (Jingdezhen ware) Dimensions:H. 13 in. (33 cm) Classification:Ceramics Credit Line:Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913 Accession Number:14.40.332 The five pairs of birds on this vase symbolize the five basic relationships (wulun) in traditional Chinese society. Standing on perforated rocks near magnolia trees is a pair of phoenixes, symbolizing the relationship between ruler and official. To the left of them is a pair of cranes representing father and son. A pair of mandarin ducks swimming by lotuses in the pond are symbolic of husband and wife. Two wagtails resting on top of the magnolia trees represent siblings, while a pair of Chinese orioles flying in the sky represents friendship.
Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722) Culture:China Medium:Soft paste porcelain painted in underglaze blue (Jingdezhen ware) Dimensions:H. 13 in. (33 cm) Classification:Ceramics Credit Line:Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913 Accession Number:14.40.332 The five pairs of birds on this vase symbolize the five basic relationships (wulun) in traditional Chinese society. Standing on perforated rocks near magnolia trees is a pair of phoenixes, symbolizing the relationship between ruler and official. To the left of them is a pair of cranes representing father and son. A pair of mandarin ducks swimming by lotuses in the pond are symbolic of husband and wife. Two wagtails resting on top of the magnolia trees represent siblings, while a pair of Chinese orioles flying in the sky represents friendship.