Description
This trumpet shaped vase with a bulge in the center is one of a pair that composes the outer pieces to a mantle garniture. All three elements of the garniture are an example of decorative export porcelain commissioned for display in European homes. The two surrounding vases are decorated in a similar fashion, depicting scenes of leisure or religious figures in underglaze cobalt blue painting. This is often referred to as the Lange Eleizen pattern, or "Tall Gal".
The uppermost figures represented are The Eight Taoist Immortals, identified by the emblems that they carry with them as they stand on scrolling clouds. Beneath them are pairs of women seated on either side of potted flowers. Between two chevron bands is a bulge in the porcelain body painted with women standing in a fenced garden. The lowest group of framed figures includes more women, posing with instruments or dancing. In the empty spans of each arch rest floral sprays.
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