Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, standalone flower vase: A decorative vase, typically large and ornate, designed to be displayed singly rather than as part of a pair. It is often used for floral arrangements or purely as an art object.
   • An antique vase: Specifically refers to a large, ancient vase, often considered an artifact or valuable collectible.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trên bàn thờ đặt một chiếc độc bình cổ. (On the altar sits an ancient độc bình.)
  • Cô ấy cắm hoa mẫu đơn vào chiếc độc bình bằng gốm. (She arranged peonies in the ceramic độc bình.)
  • Bảo tàng trưng bày một độc bình từ thời nhà Nguyễn. (The museum displays a độc bình from the Nguyễn dynasty.)

Advanced Usage

• "Độc bình cổ": An antique or ancient large vase. This term emphasizes the item's age and historical value.
  • Nhà sưu tập đã tìm được một độc bình cổ quý hiếm. (The collector found a rare antique độc bình.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lọ hoa: A general term for a flower vase, which can be any size and is not necessarily meant for solitary display.
• Bình hoa: Another general term for a flower vase or pot.
• Potiche (from French): A term sometimes used in art contexts to describe a similar type of large, bulbous vase, often with a cover.

Synonyms

• Bình độc (less common): Another term for a standalone vase.
• Lọ độc (less common): Literally "solitary vase."

Notes on Meaning

• The core concept of "độc bình" combines "độc" (single, solitary, unique) and "bình" (vase, jar). Its defining characteristic is that it is displayed alone, which distinguishes it from vases traditionally displayed in symmetrical pairs. It often implies a piece of significant size, artistic merit, or antique value.

1. Big flower-vase (never displayed in pair)
   • Độc bình cổ
     A big ancient flower-vase