Vase with auspicious animals

late 16th–17th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220

Many animal patterns appear on decorative arts, including cloisonné enamel, from the sixteenth century onward. These creatures were often imbued with auspicious meanings. Here, cranes symbolize longevity, and peafowls represent fortune. Some of them even created visual puns by using homophones. One side of this vase features magpie, deer, and monkeys, which represent “giving great wealth and bestowing a noble title.”

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

明晚期掐絲琺瑯仙禽瑞獸紋方壺
Title: Vase with auspicious animals
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Date: late 16th–17th century
Culture: China
Medium: Cloisonné enamel
Dimensions: H. 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm); W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); D. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
Classification: Cloisonné
Credit Line: Gift of Edward G. Kennedy, 1929
Object Number: 29.110.19a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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