Chinese Ming Dynasty blue and white YuHuChun vase in protective hardwood. Finely potted in Chinese traditional YuHuChun shape vessel, the pear-shaped bottle vase, a bottom-heavy body tapered gracefully to the slender-waisted neck, flaring at the rim, supported on short spreading foot ring. All reserved hand painted ornamentations are rendered in clean white underglaze base color which contrast against the cobalt blue fine color. The main body decorated with garden landscape describe various flowers blooms "called tree friend of winter", tree, fresh grass and foliage. The Three Friends of Winter, also known as Suihan Sanyou, Saikan Sanyu or Sehansam-u, is an art motif that comprises the pine, bamboo, and plum. The Chinese observed that the pine, bamboo and plum do not wither as the cold days deepen into the winter season unlike many other plants. Known by them as the Three Friends of Winter, they entered the conventions of East Asian culture. Together they symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. They are highly regarded in Confucianism and as such represent the scholar-gentleman's ideal. The Three Friends of Winter are common in works of Chinese art and those cultures influenced by it. The upper neck adorned with upturning phoenix tail. The shoulder and foot base rim decorated with scrolling tendril and auspicious pattern. The Lines of the drawings are clear, the light and dark shades are subtle. The colors are harmonious, elegant and exquisite, the composition is sophisticated, simply a feast for the eye. There is not any overlap of the outlines, its well carved, clear, subtle, and distinct. The clay is very fine, with a brilliant glaze finish that was applied by a meticulous, the shape is uniformly proportioned. This vase rests on a hand carved stand, set within a snug fitting wood box, upon a carved hardwood stand, beautifully presented inside hard cushion wrapped auspicious archaistic medallion threads with brown silk, all set within an original hardwood box. Measurements: Height:12 7/8" Diameter:7 1/4" Stand Height:2" Diameter:5 1/8" Box Height:17 3/4" Width:10 5/8" Depth:10 3/4"