This blue and white vase is modelled after the Iznik ceramic water bottle known as 'sürahi'. It has an unusual shape with a thickened bulb around the long neck. This shape was popular in the mid 17th century in Jingdezhen. The main scene on the bottle features the seven sages in the bamboo grove. The sages were a group of scholar-officials who lived during the 3rd century CE. They withdrew from officialdom in protest against the authorities. They were believed to have gathered in a bamboo grove in Shanyang (present day Henan province) where they indulged in philosophical discussions, aesthetic activities and wine. Their reclusive lifestyle and literary accomplishments became an inspiration for future members of the scholar-literatus class.The neck of the vase is painted with the tulip motif, an indicator of its export status.
