Item No.: 1078
Name: A famille rose deer-head zun vase with panels of deer and cranes welcoming spring
Period: Qing dynasty, Tongzhi reign
Height: 48.2 cm
The Chinese commentary interprets this imposing vessel as having been made for a court celebration or birthday observance. Its pink ground is decorated with auspicious animals and plants, including long-tailed pheasants, spotted deer, red-crowned cranes, pine trees, blue flowers, lingzhi fungi, and peonies.
Thickly applied, vivid colors and complex ornament give the vase a ceremonial presence. The imagery expresses enduring good fortune, prosperity, and longevity, in keeping with the celebratory character of Qing court display wares.