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Description:
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Of monumental size and with superb detailing, rare 14th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty, Hongwu Period underglaze red porcelain jar (guan): of high-shouldered, slightly lobed, tapered form with a wide, flared and notched rim; the heart-shaped body with alternating twin sprigs of lotus, peony, chrysanthemums, winter plum blossoms and day lilies below a cloud collar and floral lappets (some repairs condition report upon request); H: 22 1/2'. Chinese porcelain design generally abounds in symbolism, and this important jar created during the reign of the first Ming emperor is no exception. The flowers represented here each hold special significance in Chinese culture, as well as illustrating the Four Seasons: the Winter Plum Blossom (or prunus) is regarded as a symbol of long life and the five petals represent the Five Blessings. The Spring Peony is held in very high esteem and is known as the hua wang (King of Flowers) or fu gui hua (Flower of Riches and Honor); it is looked upon as the flower of the yang principle that of brightness and masculinity. The Summer Lotus is a symbol of purity and perfection, as it grows out of the mud but is not defiled; it is also an emblem of fruitfulness and of offspring due to the number of seeds in a lotus pod. The Autumn Chrysanthemum is associated with a life of ease, and is a symbol of joviality. Apart from these seasonal representations is another flower, the Day Lily, which is emblematic of the mother of a family, is supposed to favor sons, and is known as a charm for dispelling grief. Altogether, it loosely forms the rebus of wishing the Emperor many sons and a long, prosperous, happy family life.
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