Skip to main content
Vase, one of a pair
Vase, one of a pair

Vase, one of a pair

Place of OriginChina
Dateapprox. 1700-1800
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsCameo glass
DimensionsH. 6 1/2 in x Diam. 4 1/8 in, H. 16.5 cm x Diam. 10.5 cm
Credit LineGift of Ashkenazie and Company
Object number1988.37.2
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
More Information
Magpies (xique, "birds of happiness") shown together with the plum tree form a pictorial pun for xishang meishao ("happiness up to one's eyebrow") because the Chinese words for eyebrow and plum tree share the pronunciation mei. This is a typical Chinese expression meaning that one is happy indeed!
Subject
  • magpie
  • plum tree