Lot Essay
The decorative motifs on this meiping are rich with auspicious symbolism. The sanduo - pomegranate, finger citron and peach - together herald an abundance of blessings, long life and many sons. The word for finger citron (foshou) is homophonous with blessings (fu) and longevity (shuo) while the peach also symbolises longevity and the pomegranate, with its many seeds, represents many sons. The presence of bats on this vase bestows more blessings while the lotus flower is both a symbol of purity and a happy marriage.