Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA. Anonymous Gift
1988.2.43

Porcelain Vase

1644 – 1911 (Date created)

Porcelain
Fired
Vases
0 in L x 15 in W x 21.5 in H x 15 in D
Chinese
This vase was made during the Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911). The body of the vase is covered with Imperial Yellow glaze. The entire piece, including the neck, is decorated with Po Ku (household ornaments). These ornaments are enameled in various colors and are raised from the body of the vase.

A devotion to flowers has prevailed among the Chinese, who are skilled horticulturists. Various flowers and fruit blossoms are often used to symbolize the twelve months of the year, in the following order: prunus, peach, peony, cherry, magnolia, pomegranate, lotus, pear, mallow, chrysanthemum, gardenia, and poppy. The following represent the four seasons: the tree penny for spring, the lotus for summer, and the prunus for winter. [note 4/3/13 -- not mentioned on label what the 4th for fall is]

There is also a fly whisk on this vase. It is made from the tail of the Tibetan ox and fixed to a short handle. It was carried by the Buddhist preists as a symbol of their religious functions and used o wave away flies. It signifies the most important tenant of Buddhism, which is "do not kill."

--- from an exhibition label
Vase

Porcelain Vase

This vase was made during the Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911). The body of the vase is covered with Imperial Yellow glaze. The entire piece, including the neck, is decorated with Po Ku (household ornaments). These ornaments are enameled in various colors and are raised from the body of the vase.

A devotion to flowers has prevailed among the Chinese, who are skilled horticulturists. Various flowers and fruit blossoms are often used to symbolize the twelve months of the year, in the following order: prunus, peach, peony, cherry, magnolia, pomegranate, lotus, pear, mallow, chrysanthemum, gardenia, and poppy. The following represent the four seasons: the tree penny for spring, the lotus for summer, and the prunus for winter. [note 4/3/13 -- not mentioned on label what the 4th for fall is]

There is also a fly whisk on this vase. It is made from the tail of the Tibetan ox and fixed to a short handle. It was carried by the Buddhist preists as a symbol of their religious functions and used o wave away flies. It signifies the most important tenant of Buddhism, which is "do not kill."

--- from an exhibition label
In Collection
Anonymous Gift (see Notes)
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.