Guanyin Vase

This delicate amphora-shaped flower vase is covered with a peach bloom glaze of mottled reds and pinks. Distinguishing traits of the glaze include clouds of apple green on the body and inside the flared mouth which is decorated with a silver rim (possibly a Japanese addition). Amphora peach bloom vases are characterized by their slender bodies, narrow feet, and flared mouths and are called liuye ping ("willow leaf vase") for their resemblance to the leaves of a willow tree. They are also referred to as Guanyin vases, alluding to the Bodhisattva Guanyin whom carries a vessel of a similar form containing ambrosia. Coincidentally the branch of a willow tree is also a symbol of Guanyin.