Unknown Artist
Altar vase
- Location
- Lower Asian gallery
- Further information
This skilfully modelled vase, with a shape inspired by Tibetan metal prototypes and a complexity of decoration typical of late Qing dynasty Imperial porcelain, was used on altars in the Imperial palace. The main decoration comprises eight lotus blooms and the eight Buddhist emblems of Happy Augury ('baji xiang'). The eight Buddhist emblems, popular motifs in Chinese decoration, are the canopy, the royal umbrella, the conch shell, the vase, the wheel of the law, the endless knot, the lotus flower and the pair of fish.
'Asian Art', AGNSW Collections, 1994, pg. 205.
- Place of origin
-
China
- Period
- China: Qing dynasty 1644–1911, Jiaqing 1796–1820
- Year
- late 18th century
- Media
- Ceramic
- Medium
- porcelain with overglazed enamels on yellow ground
- Dimensions
- 25.4 x 15.5cm
- Credit
- Gift of Mr J.H. Myrtle 1991
- Accession number
- 148.1991
