Vase with decoration of rockwork, flowering vines and bamboo, Hongwu reign (1368-1398), Jingdezhen, underglaze copper red, OKS 1963-004. © Princessehof Ceramics Museum

The pear-shaped vase has a thick wall and a robust figure. This shape is known in Chinese as yuhuchun, "spring in jade." The vase has a rim with wavy tendrils on the foot. Above this is a band of pointed lotus leaves. On the body is a depiction of two different flowering plants (camellia and pomegranate) interspersed with bamboo and a rock from which a flowering tendril grows. Above the depiction is a hanging dotted pattern with a rim of wavy tendrils and an equally wide band with a meander. The neck is decorated with a band of upright banana leaves. The busy interlocking decorations and pear shape are typical stylistic features of the 14th century. The use of underglaze copper-red on porcelain was common during the Hongwu period. The technique was challenging because the red could easily fade or turn gray during firing. In this example, the red is particularly well-decorated. Originally, this vase had a longer neck, but this was cut off (perhaps due to damage). This part was usually then replaced by a metal neckpiece. The color red has a positive connotation in China...