Accession NumberPG2020.2.4
TitleBeaker vase
Artist(s)ChineseArtist NationalityChinese (culture or style)Object Creation DateMing dynasty (circa 1640)Medium & Supportporcelain with blue underglaze paintingDimensions 17 3/4 in. (45.08 cm)
Credit LinePromised gift of William C. Weese, M.D., LSA ‘65Subject matterThis beaker vase depicts the theme of "The Four Gentlemen", which are plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum. These plants share qualities of endurance, understated beauty and subtle fragrance, making them a great company to scholars of integrity. The shape of the beaker vase is modeled on the bronze wine beaker manfactured in the Shang dynasty (17th c. BC-11th c. BC). Unlike the decorative and display purpose of the blue-and-white beaker vase, the bronze beaker was used as a wine vessel. Mimicking the bronze vessel, the pictorial ornaments on the vase are also devided into three sections.
Physical DescriptionBlue and white porcelain beaker vase made during transitional period. This beaker vase depicts the theme of "The Four Gentlemen", which are plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum. The shape of the beaker vase is modeled on the bronze wine beaker manfactured in the Shang dynasty (17th c. BC-11th c. BC).
Primary Object ClassificationCeramicCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
blue-and-white (ceramic glaze)
ceramic (material)
flower (motif)
porcelain (material)
vases