Sleeve vase c. 1635 - 1650

This porcelain sleeve vase, decorated in underglaze blue, was made in China, although we don't know exactly when. The decoration depicts a scene of figures in a landscape, and these provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural values of the time. The imagery on the vase reflects the sophisticated culture of the Chinese elite. We see scholars and attendants amidst stylized mountains, trees, and streams, all rendered in a delicate blue and white palette. These scenes are often inspired by classical literature, theater, and folklore, reflecting the importance of education, artistry, and storytelling. Objects like this vase were produced on an industrial scale in the great porcelain center of Jingdezhen, both for use in China and for export around the world. The scale of this industry and the global demand for Chinese porcelain tell us something about the economic structures of the time. They also underscore the ways in which art and culture are intertwined with trade, power, and cultural exchange. Understanding the vase fully requires research into the visual culture of the era. What stories were popular? How did elites wish to represent themselves? The answers to these questions, found in textual and visual archives, can open up whole worlds of meaning.