Vase With Deer And A Crane, China, Early 20th Century.

Hand-painted Chinese porcelain vase. The vase is decorated with the classic "Three Symbols of Longevity" motif, which conveys a very auspicious message. The crane (Xianhe) is a symbol of immortality and high rank. The deer (Lu): two spotted sika deer. The word "deer" (lu) is a homophone of the word meaning "official salary" or "prosperity". The pair of stags symbolizes harmony and material success. Pine and Lingzhi mushrooms: the pine (visible at the top) symbolizes perseverance, while Lingzhi mushrooms are considered "the herb of immortality". Peonies: these large red flowers symbolize wealth and honor (fugui).

China, early 20th century, probably 1919.

Height 49 cm, diameter 20 cm.

Very good condition.

The poetic text describes the auspicious symbols depicted on the vase:
鶴立蒼松解 (Hè lì cāng sōng jiě) - "A crane standing among hundred-year-old pines.... "
清翫鹿啣芝 (Qīng wán lù xián zhī) - "Refined entertainment: a deer holding a Lingzhi mushroom in its mouth."
萬壽延年 (Wàn shòu yán nián) - "Ten thousand years of longevity and prolongation of life." (This is a classic wish for long life).

時在己未年 (Shí zài Jǐwèi nián) - "Written in the year Jiwei".
In the Chinese cyclical calendar, the year Jiwei corresponded to 1919 (which is most likely given the style of the vase) or 60 years earlier (1859). The style of the painting and the condition of the porcelain indicate the year 1919.
秋月書 (Qiū yuè shū) - "Written in the month of autumn".
劉興發作 (Liú Xìngfā zuò) - "Made by Liu Xingfa" (this is the name of the artist or the name of the workshop in Jingdezhen).

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