Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Covered Vase Decorated with Female Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and Peony Branch, Accompanied by a Boy, a Crane and a Deer
Covered Vase Decorated with Female Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and Peony Branch, Accompanied by a Boy, a Crane and a Deer
Image © 2005 Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Covered Vase Decorated with Female Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and Peony Branch, Accompanied by a Boy, a Crane and a Deer

Artist
Date18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumcoral
Dimensions15.2 cm (6 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.70
DescriptionElaborately carved with a woman on one side and a boy on the other, a deer and a stork and flowering shrubs.
Label TextFemale goddesses, heavenly maidens and fairies with flowing robes are prevalent in Taoist and Buddhist myths. Widely popular, their attributes have over time been fused, making it difficult to identify them in artistic renderings. These two works could be Xiwangmu, the Taoist Queen Mother of the West, or Lady Ma (Magu or Ma Gu Xian Shou)-or conflations of both figures. According to legend, the virtuous Xiwangmu confers immortality by distributing the peaches she grows in her jade-palace garden. The compassionate Lady Ma is usually described as carrying a basket and accompanied by a deer. The figure on the coral vase is shown wearing a jade disk (bi) hanging from her waistband.
On View
On view
Current Location
  • Exhibition Location  Gallery 112