Covered jar, one of a pair

This piece with a lid was a common shape for tea jars in the Kangxi period and is decorated with floral sprays on a blue background. The interesting motif on this piece, composed of eight square panels, signifies auspicious blessings based on a respect for the classics. The four panels on the upper portion represent the great scholar Laozi on his donkey; the prosperous elements consisting of magnolia, peony, bee, and phoenix; the symbol of wealth, a double deer, and the mythical creature, the qilin. The four lower panels were adorned with Laozi on his donkey; the qilin over an ocean; a lotus pond; and miscellaneous classical elements (bogu) consisting of a chess set, the qin, a bronze vessel, and other items.