Aug 16, 2023
Mar 19, 2014
Mar 19, 2014
Aug 16, 2023

Vase with flower arrangement and scrollwork

Vase with flower arrangement and scrollwork

c. 1750–1800

Gum tempera and gold on paper

Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection 2013.354

Did you know?

The blue bell-shaped flowers may be neelakurinji, which bloom once every twelve years.

Description

The symmetry of the floral arrangement emerging from the blue-and-white porcelain vase reveals an idealized vision. The overflowing vase is among the most ancient motifs in Indian art, used to convey the concept of abundance. This image, made for an elite patron of northern India, implies the prosperity that has accrued from international connections. The vase, painted with a European-style landscape, is of the type that was made in China for export to Europe. The scrolling ornament on either side may be ultimately derived from Persian motifs, but reworked into a European style, painted by Indian artists.

See also

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