明晚期 掐絲琺瑯仙禽瑞獸紋方壺|Vase with auspicious animals

Unknown

late 16th–17th century · Cloisonné enamel · Asian Art

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.”

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–17th century

Medium

Cloisonné enamel

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Edward G. Kennedy, 1929