Plum vase (according to Mapin). A characteristic feature is the presence of a low narrow neck, which, like a neck, rests on the broad shoulders of the base. Such vases appeared in China in the seventh century and were originally used to store wine. The Chinese themselves spoke of porcelain like this: it should be blue or white, like the sky, washed by rain, sonorous like a gong, transparent like glass, and thin like paper. Indeed, the finest Chinese porcelain meets all of these high standards. Vases with the image of them "the king of all birds on earth" - the crane, it was customary to give the newlyweds for the wedding, as such a gift symbolized fidelity, love and unlimited happiness of family life.