Liu Yong ( ??, 1719 - 1805) Liu Yong ( 劉墉, 1719 - 1805)
Pair of vases painted by Liu Yong ( 劉墉, 1719 - 1805), minister of rites and of war under Emperor Qianlong - China, Qing dynasty, Qianlong
White porcelain with underglaze blue décor and calligraphy, which reads as follows: First side:
"To …
Painted during the first ten days of the month of autumn 1782 during the reign of Qianlong
As Tang Jieyuan did at the gates of the capital
Calligraphed by Liu Yong, retired minister

Second side:
Wang respectfully brings his parents a gift
Li respectfully asks him the reason for his visit
Zhang respectfully claps his hands while roaring with laughter
In this world, no one is sincere"

The first three verses are in the vernacular. The fourth is in literary Chinese to emphasise its philosophical nature.
This inscription is illustrated in the vases' decor. Four elephant heads are attached to the sides of the vases. Nienhao of Qianlong under the base.
Old private Belgian collection
Deterioration of the elephant glaze.


7.1 x 9.6 x 32.6 cm

Porcelain