One of a Pair of Vases with Lids and Chains
Artist/Culture
Chinese
DateQing Dynasty
Mediumwhite jadeite with areas of green and hints of lavender
Dimensions30.5 cm (12 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineGift of John and Maria Dirlam
Object number2002.550.2
Descriptionvase with cover and loose chains, creamy white with apple green areas, carved with flowers and birds, covers with chrysanthemum finials, each side is a prunus in high relief executed as the handles with a loose ring; workmanship indicates that it was made for an official of high standing, pair are mirror images (although only one has a phoenix) (Robyn Turner, San Francisco)Label Text2006-03-04: Pair of Vases with Lids and Chains Jadeite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), 19th century Gift of Maria and John Dirlam, 2002.550 The size and elegance of these vases suggest that they may have been commissioned as a gift for a high-ranking court official. Vaguely reminiscent of the shape of an archaic bronze hu vessel and the floral-style decoration of Mughal jades, the sensibility and motifs of the vases, however, are quintessentially 19th century Chinese in style. Each thin-walled vessel, with its lid, ring handles and chains, is carved out of a single jadeite boulder. The lavender tints and apple-green splotches harmonize with the pierced and relief decoration of plum-blossom branches, magpies and peonies. Plum blossoms (mei) are symbolic of winter and perseverance: they appear on old, bare branches, announcing the arrival of spring. Magpies (xieque) derive their good omen connotation from the word for happiness (xi). The pictorial puzzle formed by the combination of plum blossoms and magpies expresses the wish for “happiness up to one’s eyebrows” (xi zai mei shao).
On View
On view
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th–early 19th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century