Department:
The Museum Proper
Replica or Original:
Not a Replica
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Primary Material:
Porcelain
Medium:
Painted Vase
Dimensions:
5.5" x 6" x 11.5"
Classification/Category:
Furnishings
Specific Classification:
Decorative Vase
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings:
Donated by:
Donated by the Fok Ying Tung Foundation
Accession Number
1993.047.001
Artifact Date:
Unknown
Unknown
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Unknown
Creator:
Chinese
Creator Ancestry:
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Vase with designs to reflect "Beauties of the Four Seasons" is an elaborate decorative vase that features visable brushstrokes and soft painterly features. Medium-sized and constructed from porcelain, this impressive vase is equipped with two appointed bronze elephant handles.
Elephants are represented often in Chinese mythology, imagery and folklore. In the Han Dynasty, elephants were domesticated by royalty and utilized by the military. During rituals and ceremonies, elephants were used by the imperial court. When depicted, elephants symbolize luck, wisdom and strength. They are commonly portrayed carrying a vase on their back. Due to similar pronounciation, the words "vase" and "peace" correspond with one another, creating a homophone in relation to meanings of peace and serenity.
Vase with designs to reflect "Beauties of the Four Seasons" depicts someone of a higher class and her servant, in four settings. The robes each woman wears reflects her social status.
Artifact Date:
Unknown
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Unknown
Creator:
Unknown
Creator Ancestory:
Chinese
Catalogue Entry
Online References:
"Elephant Symbol and Meaning": http://chinesehoroscop-e.com/astrology/elephant-in-feng-shui.php
Department:
The Museum Proper
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Replica or Original:
Not a Replica
Vase depicting the "Beauties of the Four Seasons".
一個描繪四季美人的花瓶。
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Classification/Category:
Furnishings
Specific Classification:
Decorative Vase
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings: