Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Images(2)

Vase with Scenes from the Novel Sanguo Zhi

Maker China

DateQing dynasty (1644-1911), late 18th century

Made/manufacturedChina, Asia

MediumIvory

Dimensions18 7/8 x 5 5/16 x 4 in. (47.9 x 13.5 x 10.2 cm)

ClassificationsFurnishings and Equipment

Credit LineBequest of Dr. David A. Cofrin

Object number2009.48.260

On View

Not on view

Collections

ASIAN

DescriptionThis vase is an example of the narrative tradition of depicting different episodes from a story along the body panels in a continuous manner to symbolically relate ideals of moral integrity and political valor. The events shown on this vase chronicle the life of the great general Liu Bei, a descendant of the Han emperor Chongdi (145-146 AD). In a popular legend he took an oath of brotherhood with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to preserve the House of Han until death. In defending his dynastic claim Liu Bei was a clever and brave warrior and in 220 AD proclaimed himself emperor of the Minor Han dynasty in Shu during the Three Kingdoms (AD 221-265).

There are several specific design and workmanship elements which support an eighteenth century date: the relief carving is bold yet refined with rounded edges, the waves depicted on the cover have rounded tips nearly forming small knobs, and the pendant-form ring handles are delicately etched in relief. In our opinion it is a fine example of the period (Bernstein appraisal).