As an overall work, the vase, an archive piece from around 1725, exudes an unfussy, well-nigh austere beauty that is quite enchanting. The lively koi populate the vase's bellied surface like sumptuous ornaments. The underwater scene is painted in a half-stylised, half-naturalistic manner that engenders a great sense of depth. This three-dimensional effect is further enhanced both by the interplay of matt and shiny areas and by opulent sculptural decoration in various shades of gold set against a deep-green ground.