This large cylindrical vase in heavy white porcelain, covered with a colourless glaze, was made in two parts; the join is disguised by the painted decoration which runs continuously from the base to the shoulder. Flowering camellias and magnolia, open peonies, bamboo, a large pheasant perched on rocks and birds flying and perched on flowering branches, are all outlined in brown and iron red and filled with washes in fine famille verte enamels: several shades of green (the predominant colour), iron-red, yellow, aubergine and black.

Here, the mythical Chinese phoenix is recognizable as a golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), a symbol of Good Fortune, while the eagle on the shoulder, resting on a pine tree, suggests the vase may have been intended to celebrate the long life of a Chinese official after retirement.