This large blue and white vase known as a 'yenyen' vase is characterised by a long neck and flaring mouth. A term given by traders, 'yenyen' probably means 'beautiful'. It features warriors and officials, juxtaposed with images of rocks and landscapes.This type of vase became more common in Jingdezhen during the Kangxi period and continued to be produced up until the Republican period (1912-1949).Wares recovered from the Vung Tau shipwreck of 1690 have similar decorations organised in panels, which suggests that this vase could have been an export piece. The ship was originally bound for Batavia (present-day Jakarta), where its porcelain cargo would have been trans-shipped to Europe. The Chinese inscription around the shoulders was added much later. It likely conveys blessings for the owner's descendants, hoping that they will be virtuous and wise.
