Hexagonal baluster vase with phoenixes
Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644), Reign of the Longqing emperor (1567-1572)
MaterialsPorcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze enamel decoration
DimensionsH. 10 in x Diam. 8 1/2 in, H. 25.4 cm x Diam. 21.5 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P2349
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on viewMarkingslongquin mark and six-character mark in two columns
More Information明朝隆慶 江西景德鎮窯 青花五彩 鳳穿花靈芝雜寶罐
The phoenix is the emperor of all birds, and like the qilin, another mythical creature, it appears only in times of peace and prosperity. The primary motif for the empress of China, the phoenix ornaments her crown as well as her clothing. The phoenix represents, among other things, rank and prosperity. Each panel of this vase features a phoenix among flowers. Inside the top panels are fungi of immortality supporting six of the Eight Treasures, including a coin, a branch of coral, and a pair of elephant tusks.Subject
- phoenix
approx. 1800-1900
prob. 1600-1700
approx. 1570-1644
