A RARE CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE 'LONGEVITY' VASE

A RARE CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE 'LONGEVITY' VASE
YONGZHENG 1723-35

The cylindrical body painted with roundels containing shou characters and stylised cranes on a pink and blue diaper ground divided by ruyi-head bands, with floral and geometric bands to the foot, shoulder and rim, with dragons and lotus flowerheads to the neck against a blue and white ground of scrolling branches, 40.3cm.

The use of the crane together with the shou characters represents longevity and immortality. The crane is the symbol of immortality because its white feathers represent old age, and the ancient Chinese believed that it could live for 1000 years or more. The crane is also a symbol of high rank and represents the first rank for Chinese civil officials. The shou character is itself a symbol of longevity. It can be written in many ways, and calligraphy consisting of one hundred shou characters in different styles is often used as a birthday present for an older person.

The decoration to the neck closely follows the painting on a vase from the Alfred Morrison collection, cf. Christie's, November 9th, 2004, lot 11, linking the present vase to the Yuanmingyuan, or the Old Summer Palace, and also the article 'Who Collects Yuanmingyuan?', which discusses the Fonthill Heirlooms.

清雍正 粉彩開光錦地鶴壽延年紋瓶