Lot 877. A famille verte rouleau vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate USD 30,000 - USD 50,000. Photo: Christie's Image Ltd 2016. 

The vase is decorated with a scene of a banquet celebrating the birthday of the Tang dynasty general Guo Ziyi, framed by rocks, leafy trees, and vaporous clouds, below the neck which is encircled by a blossoming peony branch and two birds. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm.) high.

Provenance: John D. Rockefeller Jr. (1874-1960) Collection.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accessioned in 1960.

Note: The banquet scene depicted on this vase, known as Guo Ziyi zhushou (celebrating Guo Ziyi’s birthday) or da fugue yi shoukao(grand wealth, rank, and longevity), conveys a very auspicious message. The figure depicted is the Tang dynasty general Guo Ziyi (AD 697-781). General Guo served four emperors during the Tang dynasty (AD 618-907) and was instrumental in quelling the An Shi Rebellion. It is recorded that on his 60th birthday, many family members and officials came to offer their congratulations and covered his bed with their scepters, which were a symbol of officialdom. Because Guo enjoyed a successful career and long life, and his many sons and son-in-laws were also successful court officials, he became the ultimate representative of a blessed man bestowed with longevity, progeny and an honorable career..

Christie's. Collected in America: Chinese Ceramics from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 15 September 2016, New York, Rockefeller Plaza