Phoenix Tail Vase with Figures in a Garden

The form of this 19th century porcelain vase is called "phoenix tail" because of the way its flared mouth and slender waist mimic the shape of the bird. The vibrant landscape leaps off the cream field, offering a glimpse of an idealized scene of the time. A beautifully dressed woman attends her children as they play in a Qing dynasty garden. Chinese porcelain became known worldwide for its beauty and craftsmanship. Precise forms and detailed decorations set the standard for ceramicists across the globe.