Black and red lacquered dou vessel, Warring States Period (475-221 BC), from the collection of Anhui Museum.

The dou is a type of stemmed vessel used in ancient China, similar to today’s dessert plates. Its purpose had shifted from a food-serving vessel to a ritual item from the Neolithic period to China’s Shang and Zhou dynasties (c.16th century-256 BC).

This stunning example of dou is datable to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), featuring a red and black lacquered design of a phoenix holding a pearl in its mouth, with a coiled snake forming its base. This unique design beautifully merges function with artistry, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the Chu State that ruled over a vast area including present-day Anhui province.