Yellow-glazed Vase with Revolving Interior and Underglaze-blue Design of Interlocking Flowers

This unique vase was created from two vases. A smaller vase fits inside a larger vase and the openings of the two vases are connected but moveable. The smaller vase is decorated with a purplish-red glaze and a painting of a plum tree. The middle sections have holes but above and below they are not connected. While the design allows for some movement, the two bottles cannot be separated. This craft is called “intersecting tranquility” and signifies “the top and bottom are one, the world is at peace, everything is as one wishes.” This vase was made in 1743 by the kiln inspector Tang Ying to curry favor with the Qianlong Emperor.