This intriguing bronze Daoist vase is decorated with chinese taotie, circling the top and bottom slender areas of the cylindrical vase. Symbols circling around middle part of vase are from the "I Ching" Prophesy, one of the oldest Chinese texts. The solid lines representing the Yang, the creative principle. The open lines represent the Yin, the receptive principle. The Wilhelm translation explains meanings such as "the creative force, the joyous open, the clinging radiance, the arousing snake, the gentle ground, the abysmal gorge, keeping still, and the receptive field." Such markings on vase can also be translated into images in nature. Chinese mark is also printed on bottom of vase. From the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) 19th century or older. Dimensions: 7.5" Height X 2.5" Diameter