Vase
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng–Qianlong (1723–95) period
Not on view
The shape of this vase is derived from Neolithic jade objects called cong, which have a cylindrical tube encased in a square prism that gently tapers from top to bottom. Simple masks with circular eyes and bar-shaped mouths often decorate the corners. Enigmatic in function and meaning, cong probably signified wealth and social status. These much later ceramic vases illustrate the enduring interest in earlier bronze and jade shapes.
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