Blue-and-White Porcelain Plum Vase (Xiao He Chases Han Xin)
The crown jewel of Yuan Dynasty porcelain — a meiping vase depicting the dramatic story of Xiao He's midnight chase to retrieve the brilliant general Han Xin.
The Story
This meiping (plum vase) is universally regarded as the finest piece of Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain in existence. Its surface tells a complete narrative: the story of Xiao He, prime minister of the early Han Dynasty, racing on horseback through the moonlit night to catch Han Xin, a military genius who was leaving in frustration. Xiao He's successful persuasion of Han Xin to return proved pivotal — Han Xin went on to lead the Han armies to decisive victories, establishing the Han Dynasty. The vase's painting is extraordinarily dynamic, with flowing robes, galloping horses, and a landscape rendered in masterful brushwork that rivals the finest scroll paintings. Only three Yuan blue-and-white meiping vases with narrative scenes are known to exist worldwide.
Why It Matters
Considered the single most valuable piece of Yuan Dynasty porcelain, it represents the birth of the blue-and-white aesthetic that would dominate world ceramics for centuries.
Fun Facts
One of only 3 known Yuan narrative blue-and-white meiping vases in the world
Estimated insurance value exceeds hundreds of millions of RMB
The story it depicts helped establish the 400-year Han Dynasty
Yuan blue-and-white porcelain was originally made primarily for Middle Eastern export markets
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