Porcelain baluster-shaped vase decorated in polychrome ename - Lot 23

Porcelain baluster-shaped vase decorated in polychrome enamel, China, Transition period, 17th century White porcelain baluster decorated in five-color wucai enamel with a scene showing a couple squatting in front of a dignitary holding an osmanthus flower. Behind him, three servants hold a large fan and objects wrapped in silk brocade. Height: 25 cm (without mounts) Restoration to the neck, formerly mounted as a lamp. This vase, as is often the case, contains a hidden message or rebus based on the homonymy of words. Here, it's about ostmanthus（桂花）which is an Asian flower widely known for its fragrance. In Chinese, the word mistletoe (桂) is similar to kui (魁), which means to come out on top in the imperial examination. Here, the meaning is conveyed by the depiction of a scholar holding an ostmanthus flower.