Blue and white double gourd vase

Title
Blue and white double gourd vase
Year/Period
Transitional period (1620-1683)
Region
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Object Type
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H: 31.6 x Diameter,
of mouth: 4.9 cm
Accession No.
2002-00088
Credit Line
From the Xiang Xue Zhuang Collection in memory of Dr Tan Tsze Chor

The upper section of this vase shows a scholar and his attendant in a garden while the lower section possibly depicts the story of Xiao He pursuing Han Xin in the moonlight (萧何月下追韩信).Han Xin, a military commander leaves the court of the Han emperor Liu Bang, as his capabilities, were not recognised. He is chased by Liu's chief advisor, Xiao He. The kneeling figure could be Xiao, requesting for Han Xin to return and serve Liu Bang.The band of tulip motifs near the mouthrim suggests the piece was produced for export to Europe.