Funerary urn and cover (a pair), Song dynasty (960 -1279), stoneware (Qingbai ware), (a-b) 46.0 × 12.4 cm diameter (overall); (c-d) 47.5 × 12.1 cm diameter (overall). Gift of H. W. Kent, 1938 © National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (3708.a-d-D3)

A pair of Qingbai ware. (a-b) One with elongated ovoid body with relief wavy shoulder band, long cylindrical neck with sculptural relief of band of standing figures against fish and scroll clouds on lower section and encircling dragon, flaming pearl, scroll clouds and small animal on upper section, with bulbous mouth. Three figures and cloud tips broken off. Lid: wide rimmed, rounded stepped conical form topped with seated bird on sphere, with three vertical scroll bands. Birds head broken off. Body fired to reddish brown. (c-d) The other with elongated ovoid body with relief wavy shoulder band, long cylindrical neck with sculptural relief of band of standing figures against fish and scroll clouds on lower section and encircling dragon, flaming pearl, scroll clouds and small animal on upper section, with bulbous mouth. Three figures. dragon claws, cloud tips broken off, rim chipped. Lid: wide rimmed rounded stepped conical form topped with seated bird on sphere, with three vertical scroll bands. Birds head broken off. Body fired to reddish brown.