Bottle with Prunus

CultureChinese

OriginZhangzhou, China

PeriodMing dynasty (1368-1644), Wanli period (1573-1620)

DateLate 16th - early 17th century

MediumPorcelain with monochrome blue and white slip decoration

DimensionsOverall: 10 1/4 × 6 1/8 in. (26 × 15.5 cm)

MarkingsNone

DescriptionThis blue ground bottle with garlic-bulb-shaped mouth stands on a low foot ring and bears white slip decoration depicting blossoming prunus. The base indicates that the piece was produced in Zhangzhou, as characterised by sand and grit adhered to the glaze, resulting from firing on sand within saggars. The interior is glazed white. Decoration in this style can be found during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), utilising biscuit reserved motifs set against blue ground. By the Wanli period (1563-1620), slip decoration over monochrome grounds were produced and popular with export markets, notably in Iran, though pieces utilising this decorative technique can be found in the porcelain collection of England’s Queen Mary II. Domestically, these bottles would have been used as flower vases. The prunus makes up one of the three friends of winter, which include the bamboo and pine. Symbolising long life, due to their natural resistance to the cold, their grouping also symbolises the san jiao or ‘the three teachings’ of China: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. The five petals of the prunus or plum blossom are especially favourable as five is an auspicious number and represents the five blessings of longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and a peaceful death. In addition, the blossom is a symbol of purity and perseverance, as a result of it early indication of spring.

Credit LineThe Anne Gross Collection

Object numberG16.1.5

Classifications

Asian Ceramics

Sub-classification

Chinese Porcelain

Collections

Status

On view