A blue and white porcelain stem bowl, the compressed rounded bowl with an incurved rim set on a tall, spreading hollow foot. Below the rim, a band of lattice is followed by a band of classic scroll. The sides are painted with a scroll of peony blossoms and leaves, and the underside of the bowl with a band of panels, each enclosing a cloud motif. The foot is circled by blue lines. Inside, a medallion shows a pair of waterbirds facing each other among lotus flowers and leaves, as if swimming in a pond. The blue is deep, with darker spots where it gathered.
The edge of the hollow foot is unglazed, showing a pale body with an orange tinge. Our guide to Yuan blue and white porcelain gives more on the period.
This stem bowl has been sold; please ask us about similar pieces.
Learn more: The Ming Dynasty
