VASE WITH FLOWERS AND BATS
Porcelain with enamel paints
China, Guangxu mark on the bottom, 1874 - 1908
A delicate and vivid work in a masterful composition! All flowers were crafted with enamel colors, the bats in iron-red. Numerous variations of leaves are included, most recognizable of them are of course the lotus, chrysanthemum, Buddha’s hand fruit, peonies, mallow, magnolia, etc… The bats are a classic symbol of luck in China, even their red color represents luck and happiness. This is another example of homophony, as Fu 蝠 meaning bat sounds the same as Fu 褔 meaning luck. On inspection it can be seen that the right part of the character remains the same. There is dozens of these animals to be seen on the vase, one is even located right below the mouth opening between the rows of ruyi emblems. A connection can be established between the two symbols, as ruyi represents longevity because their form is derived from the mushroom of long life lingzhi. The lowest section around the foot consists of rowed lotus leaves in a rather geometric form. On the bottom is the six-character mark Da Qing Guanxu nian zhi大清光緒年製 in underglaze-blue.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 42.7 CM
Condition: Flawless condition
Provenance: From the collection of an Indian gentelman