Description

The Thompson catalogue described the subject as one of a pair of vases:

'Pair of Oviform Vases. On one a procession of horse and foot soldiers, carrying banners, state umbrellas, and other badges of office; on the other a mandarin, attended by three warriors, addressing an official seated at a table writing with two attendants behind him. On the neck bamboo branches. The covers, which are decorated with a conventional leaf pattern, are surmounted by a small blue kylin. Height, 11 inches.' 1

The illustration shows the second of these, including two guards with spears at left, a warrior in front, and a mandarin at right.