Artwork
Small vase

Small vase is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work depicts a slender, upright vase rendered in a plain white surface.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a single flower, serving as the primary subject of the composition. Created in 1794, this painting by a Chinese artist presents the floral motif without additional narrative elements or complex symbolic arrangements described in the available records. The focus remains strictly on the botanical representation within the frame.
Technique & Style
The Small vase is an oil painting on canvas created in 1794. It depicts a flower and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, forming part of the Robert Lehman collection. The work is classified as a painting and originates from China, reflecting stylistic elements typical of late 18th-century Chinese art.
History & Provenance
The Small vase, a painting created in 1794, depicts a flower and is attributed to a Chinese artist. It was originally owned by Robert Lehman before entering the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, in 1975, where it is held under the accession number 1975.1.1691. The work is classified within the museum's holdings as a Chinese painting of the late 18th century.
Overview
The work depicts a slender, upright vase rendered in a plain white surface. A single band of vivid blue motifs encircles the middle, portraying stylized flowers and foliage, while thin, undulating lines frame the upper and lower rims. The neck widens modestly before terminating in an unadorned base marked only by a faint imprint.
Context
The painting’s emphasis on a single object and its decorative scheme reflects a broader interest in isolated still‑life subjects that prioritize formal balance and surface design. Such works often serve as studies in color interaction and compositional harmony, echoing trends in decorative arts where everyday objects become vehicles for pattern exploration.
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