CHINA - 19th century Large baoyueping porcelain... Lot 10

CHINA - 19th century Large baoyueping porcelain flask, decorated in blue under a cover of deer among the rocks, frolicking on one side under a pine tree from which cranes are flying, on the other side under a flowering plum tree, the sides decorated with bamboos, forming the motif of the three friends of winter (pine, bamboo, plum tree). The handles are formed by blue enamelled chilong in relief and detached, the neck slightly hemmed with stylized cloud motifs. Below, the apocryphal mark of Qianlong in six-character zhuanshu. Height .53 cm. (firing cracks). Provenance: Belgian private collection. A large baoyueping porcelain gourd, decorated in blue under cover of deer among the rocks. Apocryphal mark of Qianlong, China 19th century. When combined, pine, bamboo and plum tree form the motif of the Three Friends of Winter (suihan sanyou). The pine and bamboo remain green during the long winter months, while the plum tree is the first tree to bloom each year. These three trees are regarded as models of courage, perseverance and resistance in the face of adversity. The three friends of winter are also symbols of longevity: the pine and bamboo have evergreen foliage, their needles and leaves do not fall off, and like the plum tree, they can live a very long time. The plum tree is also a tree known to be able to flower even at an advanced age, on old, knotty branches, thus representing a vigorous old age. The cranes in the pine's foliage further reinforce this symbol: they represent the idea of longevity, and together with the pine they wish for a long life. Finally, the plum tree's petals, five in number, are considered a sign of good omen, the number five being sacred in China. The five petals represent the five blessings: great age, wealth, health, love of virtue and a gentle death. To bid on lots 1 to 10 of the sale, please register with our office by email: rouillac@rouillac.com / Pour enchérir sur les lots 1 à 10 de la vente, veuillez register with our