A FINE BLUE AND WHITE GU-SHAPED VASE KANGXI PERIOD (1662-17...

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A FINE BLUE AND WHITE GU-SHAPED VASE
KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
康熙青花“飲中八仙“圖紋花觚
the richly decorated vase is painted with a representation of the "Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup" – a group of Tang Dynasty poets who were also known for their love of alcohol. The term was first used in a poem by the celebrated Tang poet Du Fu (712-770), who himself was sometimes referred to as the “ninth poet” immortal.

The following poets are depicted on the upper section of the vase:

Li Shizhi (d.747) – was Prime Minister during the later part of the Kaiyan era (712-741) and was known as the "First Minister of the Left" – with a reputation for simplicity. He was forced to retire through intrigue and at a later stage committed suicide. The painting shows Minister Li seated before a screen and drinking a cup of wine whilst another attendant offers him a second cup. To his left are two large wine jars.

Su Jin – was a devout Buddhist who rose to become Vice-President of the Board Revenue and tutor to the then heir apparent. In this depiction he can be seen kneeling on a rug before a statue of the Buddha. In front of him is a single wine cup.

Zhong Xu (713 – 740) - was one of the greatest cursive script calligraphers and an official during the reign of the Emperor Xuanzong. Under the influence of wine he could become oblivious to his surroundings and would often fling off his cap in the presence of the court. Here he can be seen with his hat on a small table to his left side. An attendant can be seen stretching out a piece of paper whilst the Tang emperor sits on a wooden chair smiling benignly.

The following poets are depicted on the lower section of the vase:

He Zhizhang (665-744) – was a statesman, poet and calligrapher active during the reign of the Tang Emperor Xuanzong (713-756). Here he can be seen riding his horse in a drunken state and being supported by an attendant. In front and to the right of the horse is a well into which – according to an anecdote – he fell into whilst drunk.

Li Jin – was the nephew of Emperor Xuanzong and held a prominent position in government, being titled “ Prince of Ruyang “. Du Fu found the prince a congenial companion and wrote at least one long poem in his honour. Here he can be seen - unsteady in his stance – being offered a cup of wine by his attendant. There is a wine cart and a further attendant to the left of the prince.

Jiao Sui – was a man of humble descent from western China – here he can be seen seated in a landscaped garden with three others. A large pouring vessel – presumably containing wine – can be seen beneath the table.

Cui Zhonghi - styled Duke of Qi and seen here rising his goblet to the “ blue heavens “. He is surrounded by two attendants - one carries a wine ewer whilst the other can be seen unwrapping a zither.
45.3cm high

PROVENANCE: Acquired from Tenants Auctioneers Leyburn, “Three Day Spring Catalogue Sale”, 2 April 2009, Lot 124.

RELATED EXAMPLES: A pair of bowls with an inscription in each of the eight panels can be seen in “A Selection from the Collections of Oriental Ceramics”, by Christiaan J.A.Jorg, Pages 92-95, No 60,

There is a similar single bowl in The Avery Bundage Collection, Object ID: 2010:157.