A celadon vase of ovoid form, with a short neck and a rolled rim, and loop handles set round the base of the neck. The upper body is carved in relief with large peony blossoms, each within a round medallion and linked by curving stems with serrated leaves. A raised band separates this register from the lower body, which is carved with close vertical flutes down to a ridged foot. The glaze is a glossy grey-green that pools in the carving. One side sat closer to the fire in the kiln and is a little darker.
The foot ring is unglazed, showing a pale buff body. The recessed base is glazed, with a broad brown ring round a glazed centre. There are cracks where the neck joins the shoulder, visible in the photographs. We attribute the vase to the late Song to early Yuan dynasty.
Learn more: The Song Dynasty
