Square vase with plum blossoms

Among the many three-color glazed types of Kangxi ware, polychrome enamels against a black-glazed ground were especially appealing to the European market. Categorized as of the susancai or sometimes as of the wucai ("polychrome") family, these wares are characterized by the use of yellow, lavender, green, and creamy, soft-toned colors. On this piece, a plum band adorns the top of the rim. The black ground was left with areas to be filled with creamy floral panels, accented with yellow pistils, heliotrope stems, and green leaves. The dark and light toned green areas outlined in black are impressive. The motif, the "three-friends of winter" (suihan sanyou)—pine, bamboo, and prunus—is accompanied with cheerful arrangements of different birds on each of the four sides.