Finely potted with
a thick, creamy glaze. The style and artistry suggests the early Ming reign
of Xuande
(1426-35),
but possibly from the later Interregnum
period (1436-64). The exterior motif has four extremely well painted
floral blooms and leaves connected by a wandering vine. The method of the
dark and light contrast of the wash creating highlight on the blooms
reflects the quality usually seen on Imperial ware. Perhaps the artist was
bound for Zhushan.
The interior wall decorated with four camellia
blooms on a delicate wandering vine. Within a double ring in the center is
a grape sprig with grape leaves and tendrils curling out. This grape leaf
motif is very rare and sought after. The discoloration to the rim
is not from wear, but instead from trimming with an iron tool prior to firing.
Several small areas of iron oxide discoloration show where the glaze was
either thin, or void all together. Slight wear scratches on the
interior.
The base is glazed with the foot showing
wedge shape. A few small cracks and discoloration from firing. Note the visible
wear to the exposed foot biscuit on the macros. |