Page 128 - Bonhams May 16, 2019 London Asian Art

Vibrantly decorated with a continuous scene of boys at play in a On the present vase each of the boys holds an object potent with
garden, the present vase is a fine example of the continued skill and auspicious symbolism including the banner marked with the phrases
abilities of ceramic decorators in the late 18th and early 19th century. ‘Zhuangyuan’ which refers to the title given to the highest scores in the
This is displayed in the intricate depictions of the many figures, each imperial jinshi examination; other children hold kites shaped as fish,
boy in his various pursuit and carefully detailed with different clothing symbolising abundance, bats symbolising happiness and elephants
and affects. underscoring the wish for peace and good fortune.

The theme of boys at play underscores powerful auspicious Compare with a similar famille rose vase decorated with boys at play,
symbolism related to the the several blessings relating to the New Jiaqing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the
Year celebrations, such as the wish for many sons, universal peace, Palace Museum: Porcelains with Cloisonne Enamel Decoration and
success in career and long life. The theme was widely employed on Famille Rose Decoration, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.168.
the decorative arts of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the design
depicted on the present example was probably inspired by Qianlong- A related but smaller famille rose vase, Jiaqing seal mark and of the
period enamelled wares decorated with boys at play, as illustrated period, was sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 27 November 2014, lot 187.
in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum:
Porcelains with Cloisonne Enamel Decoration and Famille Rose
Decoration, Hong Kong, 1999, pls.121, 128, and 132.

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