Prunus vase (Meiping)
Datemid 15th century
Label TextThe whimsical clouds and flying sashes of the two scholar gentlemen depict them engaged in animated conversation, expressing their inspired existence as near immortals. The charming theme and spontaneous painting style reflects this vase’s date. Blue-and-whites produced for imperial use before and after this period at the Jingdezhen kilns—the porcelain capital of China and the world—follow more rigid rules and patterns.
Object number69.80
Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Porcelain Stories: From China to Europe, Feb. 17 - May 7, 2000.
Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Timeless Grandeur: Art from China, Apr. 25, 2002 - June 12, 2005.
Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Chinese Ceramics and Snuff Bottles from the Ming and Xing Dynasties, Jan. 14 - Apr. 2, 2006.
Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Pure Amusements: Wealth, Leisure, and Culture in Late Imperial China, Dec. 24, 2016 - May 15, 2022.Published ReferencesEmerson, Julie, Jennifer Chen, & Mimi Gardner Gates, "Porcelain Stories, From China to Europe", Seattle Art Museum, 2000, pg. 63Credit LineMargaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund
Dimensions13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm), height
2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm), diameter
Girth: 24 7/16 in.
MediumPorcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue