Vase

In 1683, Cang Yingxuan became head of the Imperial Factory at Jingdezhen. Under his leadership, exceptional enameled pieces like this vase were produced. Those decorated with a predominantly green palette are called "famille verte." The Chinese call such pieces "yingcai," which means "hard colors."

This example is a tour de force of enameling and is ornamented with numerous important symbols. Around the center section are the mythical flying unicorn and a tiger gazing at a phoenix. The phoenix represents summer and the harvest. The Buddhist "Hundred Antiques" appear in between the animal panels. On the vessel's shoulders are four reserves depicting the "Four Gentlemanly Pursuits" of music, painting, chess, and learning. The bottom has an underglaze blue double ring mark.

"Decorative Arts Highlights from the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection," page 94