Vase with magnolia, crab apple, and peony
The magnolia, crab apple, and peony on this vase constitute a combination symbolizing grace and fortune (yutang fugui). Each handle echoes the shape of a ruyi scepter, a term that is also a homophone for the phrase “as you wish.” The dai ribbon corresponds to the word “generation,” and the knotted swastikas—ancient symbols in China associated with eternity—communicate “tens of thousands.” Together, the motifs compose a visual pun communicating the phrase “as you wish for tens of thousands of generations” (ruyi wandai).
Artwork Details
- 乾隆 景德鎮窯粉彩玉堂富貴瓶
- Title: Vase with magnolia, crab apple, and peony
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong mark and period (1736–95)
- Date: late 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware)
- Dimensions: H. 14 7/8 in. (37.8 cm); Diam. 9 1/2 in.(24.1 cm)
Diam. of rim: 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
Diam. of foot: 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm) - Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913
- Object Number: 14.40.89
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Chinese
1368–1644
China
late 17th–early 18th century
China
second half 15th century
Chinese
late 16th–early 17th century
China
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