KANGXI PORCELAIN

Provenance

The Penrose Estate, Porthleven, Cornwall

Literature

Flasks in the 15^th century often derived in shape from Islamic forms reflecting the strong ties between China and Persia. In the 16^th century and 17^th century the trading between China and Europe strengthened as can be witnessed in the interchange of ceramic designs and forms. The square bottle flask is testament to this as it is modelled on European glass ware. The flasks were originally made for storing alcohol on long sea journeys. For a discussion on flasks see Harrison-Hall, Jessica, Catalogue of Late Yuan and Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, BMP, 2001, where she points out that although the form of the bottle is entirely European, the decoration is strictly confined to the Chinese repertoire. This is also the case in our Kangxi period flasks. European style decoration is also found on the square bottle flasks and there are Kangxi examples known with initials on the base believed to have been  ordered for the General Governor of the V.O.C., Pieter Van Hoorn, who was stationed in Batavia between 1684 and 1691 and sent to address the Emperor Kangxi. see link here to our website

Lotus  Symbol of purity and perfection. Emblem of summer and fruitfulness. One of the Eight Treasures of Buddhism, also held in great esteem by Daoists

Prunus Emblem for winter. Often depicted on old Chinese porcelain together with pine and bamboo and known as the Three Friends of Winter as they are evergreen.

Peony King of flowers An omen of good fortune. Emblem of love and affection and feminine beauty. The sign of spring.

Chrysanthemum symbolizes autumn and is generally associated with a life of ease and retirement from public office. One of China's great poets Tao Qian living in the late 4^thcentury early 5^th century on being offered an official post, turned it down to be able instead, in spite of being poor, to devote his life to poetry, music wine and …… chrysanthemum growing.