Chinese Porcelain Jue Wine Vessel
Name/Title
Chinese Porcelain Jue Wine VesselEntry/Object ID
CR3507Description
A Chinese porcelain jue (a traditional three-legged ritual tripod wine vessel/cup) featuring hand-painted polychrome figural decorations and Chinese calligraphy scripts in a famille-rose or similar enameled style. This is styled after ancient bronze shapes but rendered in glazed porcelain with overglaze enamel painting. A hand-painted scene of seated scholars or figures beneath stylized trees is accompanied by vertical columns of calligraphy text and a gilded rim. The scene depicts the famous historical alliance of Guan Yu, Liu Bei, and Zhang Fei, commonly known as the "Oath of the Peach Garden" from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The two columns of text on either side of the panel are lines from a traditional poem honoring Guan Yu. The left column: 「春秋義薄雲」 (Chun Qiu Yi Bo Yun) – This translates to "His righteousness, inspired by the Spring and Autumn Annals, reaches the high clouds." It references Guan Yu's famous devotion to reading the historical text Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu) and his unyielding moral code. The right column: 「永日月如鏡」 (Yong Ri Yue Ru Jing) – This translates to "His heart remains forever as clear as the sun, moon, and a mirror." This points to his absolute transparency, loyalty, and stainless integrity. The three figures gathered under the blooming tree reflect the central characters of the oath: Guan Yu (right). He is easily identifiable in the green robe, sporting his iconic long, flowing beard and classic reddish face. He looks down reverently towards the center. Liu Bei (left): Standing in the prominent purple/pink regal robe, he acts as the elder brother figure leading the vow. Zhang Fei (center): Kneeling low between them, wearing a dark cap, representing the fiery younger brother sealing their lifelong pact of brotherhood. Wares featuring Three Kingdoms loyalty themes with this specific hand-painted style and bright palette were highly popular from the Late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic Period (late 19th to mid-20th century).Use
DecorativeCategory
Chinese Painted Porcelain