This baluster vase is is decorated with motifs of a phoenix and pink peonies. The phoenix is an auspicious symbol in the Chinese culture representing beauty, grace, high virtue, the bride and the Empress. Likewise, peonies are auspicious symbols that symbolise spring, love, beauty and good fortune.Peranakan families usually purchased or commissioned miniature baluster vases in pairs for auspicious reasons. They were used as decorative objects on the dressing table of the wedding chamber to hold fresh cut flowers.
