Prunus Vase with the Blue-and-White Paining of Playing Children Made in Wanli’s Reign of Ming

The painting of playing children was first seen on products of Changsha Kiln in the Tang Dynasty, prevailed after the Song Dynasty and reached its peak by the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It evolved from the depiction of one or two child images to numerous children in bustling scenes, which is full of interest. The themed design on the belly of this vase consists of two sets of scenes that children play chess. In the two sets, the children respectively play the game of go and Pong Hau K'i. The kids are in various expressions and full of interest. This vase provides precious physical material for understanding the children's images and social customs of the Ming Dynasty.