19th century, Qing dynasty. A tall porcelain baluster vase decorated in cobalt blue underglaze to depict two framed similar scenes of an old man touching his ear accompanied by three rams. The scene is from The Zhuangzi, a warring states collection of Daoist fables and anecdotes, where leading the life of a recluse is desirable. Here, Zhuangzi is cleaning his ears to forget the words of an official who wants to employ him. In addition the depiction of the three rams creates the rebus, ?san yang kai tai? or ?three rams portend a bright future.? The scenes surrounded by prunus and cracked ice pattern, leading up to scrolling clouds and bats encircling the shoulder, banana leaf and floral lappets around the tall flaring neck, straight rim also decorated with prunus and cracked ice. Opposing chilong dragon handles on opposite sides of the neck. Unmarked base. Approx. 24 1/4 by 10 in., 61.5 by 25.5 cm.

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