Tags: ceramics | National Palace Museum | vessel

Kuang-hsu Reign (1875-1908), Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Height: 51.6, rim diameter: 28.6 x 25 cm, width: 33.5 x 26 cm 
 
Almost everybody who views this large vase is struck by its beauty. Both tall and thick, it has the curvaceous shape of an eight-petal flower. With its bright yellowish-green glaze, the vase looks almost modern in appearance. Attached to the shoulders are two handles in the shape of animal masks with rings in their mouths. On either side of the body are panels in the shape of caltrop blossoms, and within each frame is a fish and dragon rendered in relief. The five-clawed dragon roams among the colorful clouds as a carp jumps from the waves below, bringing to mind the auspicious symbolism of a fish leaping at Dragon's Gate--a successful person who stands out from all the rest.

Text: Shih Ching-fei

 
Text and images are provided by National Palace Museum