Vase with flower arrangement and scrollworkc. 1750–1800 · Study 2013.354

Context from the museum

The symmetry of the floral arrangement emerging from the blue-and-white porcelain vase reveals an idealized vision. The overflowing vase is among the most ancient motifs in Indian art, used to convey the concept of abundance. This image, made for an elite patron of northern India, implies the prosperity that has accrued from international connections. The vase, painted with a European-style landscape, is of the type that was made in China for export to Europe. The scrolling ornament on either side may be ultimately derived from Persian motifs, but reworked into a European style, painted by Indian artists.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The blue bell-shaped flowers may be neelakurinji, which bloom once every twelve years.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting only measurement for Vase with flower arrangement and scrollwork is 13.3 cm wide and 17.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 5.2 × 6.9 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.76:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.02 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 4.4% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 143.3 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Vase with flower arrangement and scrollwork in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera and gold on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 13.3 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?