Chinese Porcelain Vase Decorated in the Famille Rose Style

This is a Chinese porcelain vase decorated in the famille rose style. This style of decoration, which is characterized by the use of opaque overglaze rose colors, was introduced in the 18th century during the Qing dynasty. The vase in the image depicts five beauties sitting under a cherry blossom tree and a poem in Chinese calligraphy on the reverse side.

The calligraphy refers to the “Three Friends of Winter” (pine, bamboo, and plum blossom) motif, which symbolizes steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience in East Asian art and culture. The three plants are associated with winter because the pine and bamboo remain green year-round, and the plum is among the first trees to flower in the spring. The vase is likely from the Republic Period (1912-1949).

The vase is priced at $900.