Baluster Jar and Cover

Description

The central motif on this jar is a mountain emerging from the sea, symbolizing Mount Sumeru in Buddhist cosmology, and representing the central axis in the universe in Daoism. White cherry blossoms floating on the wavy ground are surrounded by auspicious symbols such as the coin for wealth and the lozenge for victory. The yellow knob on the jar’s cover depicts a cherry blossom. Other fortuitous motifs—such as the leaf of protection, the pearl to grant wishes, the stone chime for celebration, rocks symbolizing longevity—also decorate the lid. While most jars have lost their covers over time, this jar retains its original lid.

Provenance

(Marchant, London, UK, sold to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Keithley) (?by 1998–2011); Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley, Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (2011–2020); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (2020–)

Baluster Jar and Cover

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1600–1650

Accession Number

2020.179

Medium

Porcelain with wucai (five-color) enamels

Dimensions

Overall: 36.8 x 23.8 cm (14 1/2 x 9 3/8 in.)

Classification

Ceramic

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift