Bottle vase with magpies and plum blossoms
Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Date1662-1722
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911), Reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722)
MaterialsPorcelain with overglaze multicolor decoration
DimensionsH. 12 1/4 in x Diam. 4 3/4 in, H. 31 cm x Diam. 12 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P2+
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
On viewLocationGallery 17
More Information喜臨天下
Motifs for Happiness
The character for joy or happiness (xi 喜) is associated with pleasant events, such as weddings and the arrival of newborn sons. Throughout Chinese history, boys were regarded as vital to the preservation of the patriliny, because they would carry on the family name and continue to worship ancestors. In imperial society, men of the educated class sacrificed their childhood for the study of the classics, and their success in the civil service exams brought the greatest imaginable joy to the family.
Motifs for Happiness
The character for joy or happiness (xi 喜) is associated with pleasant events, such as weddings and the arrival of newborn sons. Throughout Chinese history, boys were regarded as vital to the preservation of the patriliny, because they would carry on the family name and continue to worship ancestors. In imperial society, men of the educated class sacrificed their childhood for the study of the classics, and their success in the civil service exams brought the greatest imaginable joy to the family.
approx. 1100-1300
approx. 1800-1900
1736-1795
1662-1722
1662-1722
approx. 1950-1970