Gyatum Champagne

A peony medallion sits on an open champagne field, with matching flower vases above and below and long leafy stems reaching into the corners. Crimson blooms circle a blue cloud scroll centre, and a blue and white key pattern runs inside a band of tiles set with endless knots. The two vessels are the bumpa, the treasure vase that pours without ever emptying, and the round centre is read as a lotus seat. The quiet colourway of the gold Peking, at home against dark timber and warm stone. Border: A blue-and-white key pattern runs inside a wide band of small tiles, each holding an endless knot. Wine-coloured edge. Palette: Champagne, crimson, cobalt, olive, gold, wine. What it signifies: The two vessels above and below the centre are the bumpa, the treasure vase of the eight auspicious symbols — the vase that pours without ever emptying. The round centre, whatever flower fills it, is read as a lotus seat — the flower that rises out of mud unstained, and the seat on which every Buddha is shown — and the border repeats the palbeu, the endless knot: no beginning, no end. "The treasure vase pours without emptying; the endless knot says it never runs out." Auspicious for the home: A treasure-vase drawing is the traditional thing to give a household that is starting out — the vase that never empties, wished on a new home. Lay it in the room where guests are received, under the low table, so the blessing sits where the family gathers rather than where it is walked over. Best for: The quiet colourway of the gold Peking — shows well against dark timber and warm stone.