Artwork
Vase
DepartmentAsian Art
CultureChinese
Dateca. 1662-1722
Dimensionsh. 17 1/4 in. (43.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Lenora and Walter F. Brown
Object number92.25.24
GeographyPlace madeJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
General regionAsia
DescriptionA well painted blue and white rouleau vase, a continuous scene on the slightly tapered sides depicting a dignitary receiving tribute from an embassy on a pavilion terrace flanked by willow and maple; the scene divided by rockwork and clouds; the waisted neck encircled by bands of ruyi heads and classic scroll beneath the galleried rim, the underglaze blue of vivid tone.Label TextThe scene depicted on the vase comes from The Water Margin, one of the most important works of historical Chinese fiction. The novel takes place during the twelfth century and tells the story of Song Jian and his group of 108 bandits who fought against the government to right the wrongs of injustice, similar to Robin Hood. The story tells of their honorable surrender to the government, the subsequent campaigns against the Liao Kingdom and other rebellious groups. By the end of the story each of the bandits has met his death. The Water Margin achieved great popularity during the seventeenth century and scenes from the story were frequently depicted on porcelains.ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Walter F. BrownNot on view
Collections
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
