A Pair of 19th Century Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Vases

A fine late 19th century pair of blue and white porcelain vases of good scale, with dragon handles and decorated throughout with foliage.

The stylised chrysanthemums on these delicately painted blue and white vases symbolise the ninth moon as well as the virtue of withstanding hardship and suffering. This is due to the flower blooming in autumn and bringing the anticipation of winter with it. Along with the orchid, the plum and bamboo, it forms part of the ‘Four Gentlemen’. Further to this, it is a symbol of longevity due to its health lending properties. To this day, the Chinese drink chrysanthemum tea for its supposed healthy attributes.

Qing Dynasty, Gungxu Period (1875 – 1908)