Vase

China

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong mark and period (1736–95)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220

Known as gu, this type of ritual vessel was used for pouring wine during the Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–1046 B.C.). The earliest objects were cast in bronze, while later artists adopted the shape for pieces in a variety of media. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the gu beaker and other archaistic types were produced in cloisonné and painted enamels and were repurposed as display items or flower vases in environments where their allusions to earlier ritual functions were appreciated.

Vase, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China

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Vase, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Vase, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Vase, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Vase, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China

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