Vase in Meiping Shape
Vases of this shape have long been known as “prunus vases,” or meiping—a Chinese term that is also a homonym for “beautiful vessel.” Despite the name, such objects were likely used not only as vases for plum blossoms (Prunus mume) but also as containers for wine and other beverages. From a short, vertical neck, the walls descend in a continuous, fluid motion, swelling into broad, rounded shoulders before narrowing at the waist and culminating in a small, round base.
Artwork Details
- 中国 北宋 磁州窯白磁梅瓶
- Title: Vase in Meiping Shape
- Period: Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
- Date: 11th–12th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Stoneware with white glaze (Cizhou ware)
- Dimensions: H. 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm); Diam. 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm); Diam. of rim 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); Diam. of foot 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1922
- Object Number: 22.91.2
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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12th–13th century
mid-14th century
14th century
11th century
second half of the 12th century
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