28 - "Wucai" porcelain vase, China, transitional period, 17th century

"Wucai" porcelain vase, China, transitional period, 17th century The body is glazed in blue underglaze and overglaze enamels in green, coral, yellow, eggplant, and black, decorated with a woman seated on a chair in front of a folding screen, with two maids holding large fans and two officials in the background. She is watching a dancer wearing a long-sleeved gown performing on a carpet in front of a group of six female musicians on a terrace bordered by a balustrade. Large rocks, small pine trees, and banana trees frame the scene. The collar is decorated with peony flowers and perforated rocks. The depicted scene, which appears on Chinese porcelain from the Transition and Kangxi periods, celebrates the birthday of the Queen Mother of the West. It consists of three elements: a dignitary seated in front of a screen, flanked by two ladies-in-waiting and his retinue; a dancer gesturing with her arms, often on a carpet; and an all-female orchestra playing various musical instruments. Height: 40 cm Restorations, chips, and pitting.