As soon as I walked into the Color Across Asia exhibit, I saw this piece and was immediately drawn to it. This piece was on its own, compared to the numerous sets of cups and bowls. I thought it was interesting that this piece was able to carry its own display. From the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), this piece seems to emulate the ideal piece when we think of porcelain. This porcelain piece is very detailed, with vibrant colors and gold decorations.
Oddly enough, I had watched Mulan earlier that day, and the scene on this vase reminded me of the scene in the movie where they are moving Mulan around in order to prepare her for the matchmaker. From the painted white faces to the man playing chess in the corner, it seems like a detailed depiction of the town center. The piece itself looked like it had been thrown, fired, glazed, and then carefully painted with immense detail. The material itself looks like it has a textured pattern on the outside, but it seems the paint was able to disguise it for the most part. It is interesting to see how the artist was able to make a square like top to fit a lit, and the square bottom in order to balance on what looks like to be a bronze pedestal while incorporating the curves on the main body of the vase. The people on the piece are all very similar with white faces and what seems to robes with the colors to match the flowers depicted in the scene.
When you look at the side of the vase, you can see that it is painted as a continuation of the scene on the front of the vase. While the back cannot be seen, I assumed it was a continuation of the scenes painted on the sides of the vase. However, it is interesting to see the people on the vase. The women are painted either in a house, or standing around with children or fans; whereas, the men are depicted playing instruments, chess, or writing. I think it is interesting to see how this very much reflects the gender roles that were prominent during the Qing dynasty. Around the top of the vase, separate scenes are painted with what seems to be elders or gods looking down upon the people painted in the main scene.
Based on my observations, it seems as if this vase was used in a more decorative manner, rather than being used for an urn. The red and gold handles seem to be very ornate, along with what seems to be a dog like animal resting on the top of the vase. Since it is so brightly painted, I can believe it was either made for royalty or someone of a higher status. Based on what seems to be a painting of elders or spirits at the top, it seems as if it could have also been used as a piece of a shrine to a specific deity of the culture. While the exact purpose seems to be unknown, it is safe to say that this piece emulates what we think of when we hear the word porcelain.
