This vase was produced at the Jingdezhen kilns in southern China in the decade preceding the end of the Ming dynasty in 1644 or soon after. At this time the export activities from China to Europe were dominated by the Dutch East India Company, established in 1602.
The cylindrical shape of this vase, very popular during the 17th century, was called rolwagen in Dutch inventories. The decoration of fantastic animals belongs to the traditional Chinese repertoire: the qilin is one of the four mythical animals and an auspicious symbol, a creature with horns, hooves and a body similar to a deer but with scales. The phoenix is another of the four mythical animals; associated to the south, it symbolises longevity and prosperity.
Physical description
Porcelain vase of cylindrical shape with slightly contracted neck, decorated in underglaze blue with phoenix, qilin, butterflies, bamboo and peonies; round the rim a band of stylised leaves.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
ca. 1630-1645 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue
Dimensions
Height: 46.5 cm
Descriptive line
Porcelain vase painted in underlaze blue with phoenix, qilin and insects, China, Ming dynasty, ca. 1630-1644.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Clunas, Craig (ed.). Chinese Export Art and Design. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1987, p. 38, fig. 15.
Ayers, John. Far Eastern ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1980, pl. 175.
Labels and date
Vase
Porcelain with decoration in underglaze blue
Magical creatures phoenix and qilin, with insects and flowers
About 1630-1645
Burman Bequest [1987]
Materials
Porcelain
Techniques
Underglazing
Subjects depicted
Qilin; Peonies; Phoenix; Bamboo; Butterflies
Categories
Porcelain; Ceramics; Household objects
Collection
East Asia Collection