Provenance
Vanderven Oriental art, 's Hertogenbosch.
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert - Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above in 1988 and accompanied by a copy of their valuation rapport, dated 18 September 2001. (see added scans)
Description
The peach tree and its fruit are among the most beloved motifs in Chinese art, particularly in ceramics. Peaches symbolize spring, renewal, and longevity, and are therefore closely associated with a long life.
When depicted together with a ruyi sceptre, the peach conveys the wish: “May you enjoy a long life, just as you desire.” Combined with a bat, it symbolizes “long life and happiness,” as bats are traditional emblems of good fortune in Chinese culture.
The peach also carries associations with marriage and fertility. The written Chinese character thau (桃, peach) is a homophone of a word relating to marriage, making peaches auspicious gifts for newlyweds.
By contrast, peach blossoms were traditionally considered an inappropriate gift, as their fleeting beauty and short lifespan could evoke thoughts of an untimely death.
Reference:
A closely comparable example is in the Asian Arts Museum of the City of Paris, Musée Cernuschi. (inv. no. M.C. 2465) (link) Another was included by S. Marchant & Son in their 2007 exhibition of 'Chongzhen - Shunzhi, Transitional Porcelain From A Private American Collection', no. 10.
Lot 5
Transitional period
L.: 19 cm - H.: 18,2 cm
Estimation
€ 8.000,00 – € 12.000,00
Provenance
Vanderven Oriental art, 's Hertogenbosch.
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert - Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above in 1988 and accompanied by a copy of their valuation rapport, dated 18 September 2001. (see added scans)