Octagonal Vase with Bogu Motif
Description
The octagonal vase is moulded with the bogu or classical treasures motifs with segments separated by raised borders, and resting on a foot bearing blue meanders. It is a striking piece, with the raised motifs decorated with polychrome overglaze enamels against the black ground.
Ornamenting the eight sections are elaborate still lives of antique vases supported on elegant stands, holding auspicious floral and fruit arrangements and objects of good omens such as the wish-granting sceptre and stone chimes representing celebration In between the arrangements beribboned auspicious objects appear here and there, such as pairs of rhinoceros horns, plantain leaf, and fans. Other symbols show the four scholarly pursuits, represented by painting scrolls, and the musical instrument qin in its brocade bag. Other objects closer to the top, such as the double lozenges representing the King’s earrings, and double circles for the Queen’s earrings, display their Indian origin.
Sir Ratan Tata Art Collection
Collection
Chinese Art
Object Type
Vase
Material
Porcelain with underglaze polychrome decoration against a black ground (wucai)
Schools/Culture/Period
Jingdezhen production
Technique
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Date
Late Qing dynasty, 19th-century
Location
Jiangxi province, China
Dimension
Height 55.3 cm Dia: 12.5 cm