Vase with Lions and Tasseled Balls

This vase's cylindrical body and flared neck depict nine lions playing with brocaded balls with waving tassels, a reoccurring subject of Chinese Buddhism. The sky is spotted with scrolling flames as the lions are supported on the banks of scrolled clouds. The slopped shoulders that separate the lions into two groups are painted with clouds, traversed by five flying bats which symbolize happiness. An inverted foot is decorated with white plum blossoms on a blue ground. Soft tone blues are applied in the outline and wash technique creating clearly defined brush strokes on the lions and a dappled texture to the clouds. The porcelain is of a white soft paste.