Lot 1388. A famille rose ovoid jar, Yongzheng-Qianlong period (1723-1795); 6 in. (15.3 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 25,000 - USD 35,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018  

The ovoid jar is decorated with a phoenix painted in bright shades of pink, yellow, green, and iron-red, standing on a tall, jagged rock, amidst blossoming peonies, chrysanthemum and white magnolia, with birds perched on the branches and in flight, and with Mandarin ducks below.

Note: The lush imagery depicted on the present screen is a favorite theme in Chinese painting and the decorative arts known as 'Hundred birds courting the phoenix' (bainiao chaohuang or bainiao chaofeng). According to T. T. Bartholomew, Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006, p. 160-1, the theme is also known as bainiao chaowang (Hundred birds paying homage to the king), as the phoenix is the queen of birds, and "when it flies, the rest of the birds follow." The phoenix, probably symbolizing the empress, serve as the focal point of the vase and is depicted amidst blossoming peonies. The author explains, ibid., p. 160, that the pairing of the king of birds with the king of flowers, the peony, augurs great blessings and prosperity, and suggests the expression, fugui jixiang (May there be wealth, rank and good fortune).  

Other flowers depicted in the screen have also been chosen not only for their attractiveness, but also because of what they symbolize. The combination of white magnolia and peony is particularly auspicious. Together these three flowers suggest the wish 'May your noble house be blessed with wealth and honour'. The stalks of bamboo, shown emerging from behind the rocks, are suggestive not only of scholarly pursuits, but also symbolize integrity.  

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 13 - 14 September 2018