Description:

The carved design on this vase is the flowering plum tree, pine and bamboo, a popular lucky combination known as the Three Friends of Winter (sui han san you). Plum trees are the first to blossom at the very end of winter, whilst pine and bamboo are evergreen, and together the three trees represent yearly rebirth and long life as well as honesty.

Glass
Height: 23.1 cm, diameter: 10.1 cm, neck diameter: 2.9 cm
Four-character mark of Qianlong reign (1736-1795), but later in date

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1800-1900, Qing dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4747