A Chinese wucai-decorated porcelain beaker vase

A Chinese wucai-decorated porcelain beaker vase Transitional period, mid 17th Century

With flared lip and foot, slightly raised waist, the neck decorated with The Tang Emperor Xuanzhong and a Daoist magician before the moon goddess Chang E and three female attendants; the slightly swelling waist with floral sprays, the foot with peaches and pomegranates.

(H: 18 in.)

Provenance: Acquired by the present owner from a Main Line, Philadelphia estate.

NOTE: The present vase illustrates the story of the Tang Emperor Xuanzhong searching for his ill-fated consort Yang Guifei. This was a popular theme decorating 17th century porcelain, for another vase of different form, circa 1650-1660, illustrating this subject, see Michael Butler et al "Shunzhi Porcelain, Treasures from an Unknown Reign", Seattle, 2002, pp. 206-207, no. 64