Club-shaped vase 1660 - 1724

This club-shaped vase was made by an unknown Chinese artist out of porcelain. Floral patterns like the ones we see here have a long history in Chinese art. Flowers stand for the seasons, or the virtues that are central to Confucianism. However, a single flower can also reference an individual person. The plum blossom in particular is associated with winter and represents resilience and hope. It's important to consider how a work like this circulates within society. Who was its intended audience? Was it created for a wealthy patron, or for a wider public? These questions help us understand its social role at the time it was made. By researching the economic conditions and trade networks of the period, we can learn a lot about who had access to these kinds of luxury goods. By exploring the object’s cultural and institutional context, we can develop a deeper appreciation for its meaning and significance.