Container in the Shape of a Lotus Plant
Description
In the shape of a lotus leaf, this handsome container is supported by an open work composition of stems bearing leaves and blossoms. An egret appears on top, while a pair of swallows appears on the back.
This type of vessel based on botanical motifs became popular in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and continued to be made throughout the Qing dynasty. Among the lotus's many names is lian, which is a pun for "continuous," and he, meaning ‘harmony.” The egret appearing above, in combination with the lotus plant, forms a rebus reading yilu lianke, or "continuous success in your civil service examination." The pair of swallows, combined with the lotus, form a rebus for heqing haiyan, meaning "peaceful times."
Sir Ratan Tata Art Collection
Collection
Chinese Art
Object Type
Decorative Art
Material
Greyish nephrite
Schools/Culture/Period
Qing dynasty
Technique
Jade carving
Date
18th century CE
Location
China
Dimension
H: 24.3 cms.