Qing dynasty, Jiaqing reign, AD1796-1820

Tea Caddy with Gold Tracery Decoration of "Continuous Happiness" Symbols on a Red Ground

Body height: 16.5, rim diameter: 6.7 cm, base diameter: 6.7 cm

This jar with lid was perhaps used as a tea container. Appearing quite sumptuous and stately, the red ground is filled from top to bottom with gold pigment. Looking closely, the decoration of the lid and vessel symbolizes the notion of "ten thousand (wan) blessings (fu) forever." In the regulated scrolling patterns of lotus blossoms among stems and leaves linked together, the symbol for the character "ten thousand" and that for "blessings" in the center of the lotus blossom represent the idea of "everlasting good fortune". Moreover, the character for "lotus" in Chinese is a homonym for "continuous." In this case, it means "year after year," making for a very auspicious tea canister that must have been very popular.