A CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE SLEEVE VASE

TRANSITIONAL C.1640

The cylindrical body painted with King Wen of Zhou and his attendants happening upon Jiang Ziya by the bank of a river in a rocky landscape, with plantain trees, shrubs and swirling clouds around them, the waisted neck decorated with pendant leaves, with finely incised lines to the rim, shoulder and foot, 48cm.

According to traditional Chinese historical records, the episode depicted occurred in the 11th century. Having become disillusioned with serving the cruel and corrupt last king of the Shang dynasty, the military strategist Jiang Ziya relinquished his duties and went into exile, living as a fisherman. When King Wen of Zhou came across Jiang Ziya whilst hunting, he was so impressed by his knowledge on military tactics that he appointed Jiang Ziya as his prime minister. With Jiang Ziya's assistance, the Shang Dynasty was overthrown and the Zhou dynasty was founded.

Cf. the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, object no.AK-NM-6669 for a sleeve vase with a very similar scene.