Covered Meiping vase with four gentlemen

Each of the six cloud-heads on the shoulder of this work contains a flower. The status of the four gentlemen is indicated by the four young servants waiting on them. One gentleman is pictured appreciating the moon by toasting it with wine; one is admiring plums; another admires the lotus pond; and the fourth is shown with an instrument preparing to visit friends. Two friezes, one of plum blossoms and the other of lotus panels, adorns the lower portion of the vase. Four of the eight ordinary symbols on the top of the lid are placed beside cross-shaped clouds which had become fashionable since the Jiajing period. The heavy, thick body has a brown-slipped base with sand residues. It displays a fresh design using loosely stylized friezes.