Vase (rolwagen) with a meeting between officials and a hermit in a landscape c. 1635 - 1650

This Chinese porcelain vase, dating back to the 17th century, is a prime example of blue and white porcelain. The vase, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, is decorated with a scene depicting a meeting between officials and a hermit in a landscape. The scene is rendered in a delicate cobalt blue, which was painted directly onto the white porcelain before it was fired. The decoration, typical of Chinese porcelain production, features a lively narrative that reflects the aesthetic and cultural values of the time. This vase demonstrates the popularity of blue and white porcelain in Europe during the 17th century, showcasing a fusion of Chinese artistic tradition and European taste.