Flask with the “Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism”
(China )
Various motifs of longevity on this flask suggest that it was designed for an important elder’s birthday. The medallion in the center of the front and back is the stylized character for longevity (shou 壽). Eight motifs surrounding the shou character are attributes of the Eight Immortals, a popular group of figures associated with longevity. Another group of eight motifs believed to bring fortune appear on the sides of the flask, known as the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, including a conch, a double-fish, a knot, vase, banner, lotus, parasol, and wheel.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
William T. or Henry Walters Collection, Baltimore, prior to 1896; bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
Exhibitions
2024 | Imperial Chinese Treasures from the Walters Collection. 1991-0. |
Geographies
China (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 19 5/16 × W: 15 × D: 7 1/2 in. (49.1 × 38.1 × 19 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Henry Walters, 1931
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
49.1685