Cup stand, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Reign of the Hongwu emperor (1368-1398). China, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. Porcelain with underglaze decoration, youlihong ware. H. 1 in x Diam. 7 1/2 in, H. 2.5 cm x Diam. 19.1 cm. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P1214. © 2016 Asian Art Museum Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture

The short, raised, circular edge at the interior center of this work indicates its function of supporting a tea cup. The central peony branch, encircled by a floral-panel band and a six-chrysanthemum scroll, is further accented by eight lotus sprays on foliated sides and a foliate leaf band on the edge. The outside is painted with a meandering band on the lip edge and lotus panels on the lobed sides. A couple of extant works of this type reveal consistent features: the decorative motif and manner, a refined but rather thick body, and the brownish tonality of the red on a light, grayish white glaze. The latter defers to the Yuan ivory-like white glaze. The drawing, however, is stiffer than that of the Yuan (Shoudu Mus. 1991: pl. 86; Shanghai Mus. 1987: pl. 39).