Vase decorated with auspicious animals

China

Not on view

The five pairs of birds on this vase stand for the five basic relationships (wulun 五倫) in premodern Chinese society. Phoenixes on perforated rocks near magnolia trees symbolize the relationship between ruler and official. Cranes to the left of them represent father and son. Mandarin ducks swimming by lotuses in the pond signal husband and wife. Two wagtails resting atop the magnolia trees stand for siblings, and orioles in flight evoke friendship.

Vase decorated with auspicious animals, Soft paste porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

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Vase decorated with auspicious animals, Soft paste porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China
Vase decorated with auspicious animals, Soft paste porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China
Vase decorated with auspicious animals, Soft paste porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China
Vase decorated with auspicious animals, Soft paste porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

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