Covered Vase

Currently not on view

Covered Vase

19th - early 20th century

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

This vase, inspired in form by an ancient bronze, is unusual in that it has both Arabic and Chinese inscriptions. The Chinese phrase for “life everlasting” appears in a cartouche on either side of the Arabic inscription that pays tribute to the power of Allah. On the lip is the Chinese word Yudetang, which translates to “Hall of Bathing in Virtue.” Legend has it that the hall—located in the Forbidden City—was a Turkish-style bath built for the Qianlong emperor’s favorite Uighur concubine, who was captured when Chinese troops defeated her people as part of the empire’s plan to expand Qing territory. The Uighurs are a Muslim ethnic group located in the northwest part of China in today’s Xinjiang province, which explains the combination of Arabic and Chinese on this piece.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Covered Vase

Date:

19th - early 20th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Rock crystal (quartz) with incised decoration and traces of gilding; wood stand

Dimensions:

13 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches (33.7 x 16.5 x 7 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944

Accession Number:

1944-20-20a--c

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) or Republican Period (1912-1949)

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Currently not on view