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Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons

early 18th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 200
Seasonal references abound in Chinese art, and the four different scenes featuring flowers and birds painted here allude to the passing of time and changes in nature. For example, tree peonies and pheasants are a harbinger of spring, kingfishers over a lotus pond mark summer, chrysanthemums and hibiscus imply autumn, and magpies on a blooming prunus tree symbolize winter and offer a pun of happiness arriving in Chinese tradition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清康熙　景德鎮窯五彩四季花鳥紋方瓶
  • Title: Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722)
  • Date: early 18th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); Diam. of rim 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.40.91
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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