This Nonyaware (overglaze polychrome enamelled porcelain) vase has a baluster shape with curved body tapering to a footring. It has a narrow concave neck with a lobed, morning glory shaped gilt-edged mouth. At the neck of the vase is moulded a pair of red hornless dragons, their heads raised towards a beautifully painted red peony spray above. The rest of the vase is decorated with painted motifs of peony sprays in shades of red and pink, with their leaves and buds. These are set against a green background, which could symbolise youth and spring. Peonies are auspicious symbols in the Peranakan culture that represent spring, love, beauty and good fortune. A pair of such vases could be part of the items flanking the ancestral shrine. Freshly cut chrysanthemums could be placed in them as offerings for the gods and spirits of the departed ancestors.
