A meiping is a type of Chinese vase. It is traditionally used to display branches of plum blossoms. The meiping was first made of stoneware during the Tang Dynasty

Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...

 (618-907). It was originally used as a wine vessel, but since the Song Dynasty

Song Dynasty

The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...

(960–1279) it became popular as a plum vase and got its name "meiping". It has a narrow base, a wide body, a narrow neck, and a small opening.