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

Images(2)

Vase with Scenes from the Novel Sanguo Zhi

Artist Unknown Chinese Artist

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

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).