Chinese Canton enamel ewer, late 18th century

Chinese Canton enamel ewer, 18th century, the pear-shaped body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall waisted knopped neck, with a large loop handle and gently sloping s-shaped spout, brightly decorated in overglaze enamels, the body with a central tear-shaped panel to either side containing the three gods of the Sanxing (‘three stars’) in a garden setting; with Shou (壽), with a high domed head standing on the left holding a peach, Lu (祿) beside him depicted in Mandarin dress and Fu (福) on the right dressed in scholar’s robes and holding a child; within a blue band with pink foliate scroll, all against a yellow ground with tropical flowers, peony heads and curling foliage, below bands of plantain leaves either side of a raised knop to the neck, the foot and rim with coloured bands of scrolling vines, the handle and spout with a cracked ice ground; the tall domed lid with gently waving leaves in blue and pink and surmounted by a bud-shaped finial.

Notes:

The three star gods represent different heavenly bodies in traditional Chinese astrology and also embody good fortune, making them a popular choice of statue for local temples and family shrines. Shou, who represents Canopus and is associated with longevity, is traditionally depicted holding a peach thought to come from the garden of the Queen Mother of the West, wife of the Jade Emperor, ruler of all Heavens. Usually depicted after Shou, Lu is the personification of Ursa Major and embodies prosperity. He is sometimes worshipped in his own right as a deity connected more specifically with the imperial examinations and academic success. The third deity, Shou, is connected with Jupiter, represents fortune, and is usually depicted in scholarly dress holding a scroll or, as seen here, a child.

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