Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons

China

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 221

Seasonal references abound in Chinese art, and the four different scenes featuring flowers and birds painted here allude to the passing of time and changes in nature. For example, tree peonies and pheasants are a harbinger of spring, kingfishers over a lotus pond mark summer, chrysanthemums and hibiscus imply autumn, and magpies on a blooming prunus tree symbolize winter and offer a pun of happiness arriving in Chinese tradition.

Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China

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3/4 view

Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China
Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China
Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China
Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China
Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China
Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China
Vase with flowers and birds of the four seasons, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen famille verte ware), China

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