Ewer, porcelain painted in underglaze blue, China (Jingdezhen), Ming dynasty, Xuande mark, Jiajing period (1522-1566)
Ewer, porcelain painted in underglaze blue, China (Jingdezhen), Ming dynasty, Xuande mark. Jiajing period (1522-1566). Given from the Bloxam Collection. C.109-1928. Victoria & Albert Museum © V&A Images
Height: 21.9 cm, Width: 15.9 cm. Ewer of porcelain. Body pear-shaped with flattened sides, on each of which is a panel of lotus-petal outline painted with a phoenix among lotus scrolls; sprays of stylised chrysanthemum and lotus amongst cloud scrolls are scattered over the remaining surface. The narrow neck expands to a short vertical rim and is decorated with vertical date-palm leaves above a band of fret-pattern. Round the spreading foot a border of cloud scrolls. The loop handle and long curved spout (united by link to the neck) are painted with flowers. Marks and inscriptions: 'da ming Xuande nian zhi' in a double circle, in underglaze blue Made in the Xuande period of the great Ming dynasty.