Very rare late Republic Period to mid 1950s porcelain vase.
Decorated with high quality depictions of Liu Haichan (Liu Hai 劉海) playing with three-legged toad chanchu (蟾蜍) known today as Jin Chan(金蟾) the 'Money Toad'.
Different sources are mentioning Liu Haichan as an alchemist and philosopher who reached a rank of prime minister then stepped down from the office and converted to Daoizm reaching enlightenment and immortality.
There are multiple legends portraying Liu Haichan as an embodiment of Caishen the God of Wealth and linking him with the folk stories about three-legged toad, the "Money Toad' also known as the "Moon Frog' as it does have strong associations with the lunar calendar and is considered a representative of the Moon.
Liu Haichan is usually depicted with the toad and square-holed coins threaded on the red ribbon all together symbolising good wealth and prosperity.
The vase is decorated with calligraphy on the back, flying bats on the upper part and with a crane bringing a gift - that suggests the meaning of the vase being a gift offered on a special occasion with wishes of fortune and longevity.
Four character red mark on the base: 品玉轩作
Condition: very good.
H: 32cm / 12.5in
