Blue and White Jar with Figure Scenes in Panels, Early Ming Dynasty

PP-0147

Description

A blue and white porcelain jar of ovoid form with a short, straight neck painted with a lattice band enclosing small flower heads. The body is painted with two large lobed panels. In the first, a bearded official in a winged hat sits at a draped table set with a vase of flowers, a brush and a small written tablet, while two attendants hold large fans on long poles over him; hills rise behind. In the second, a lady seated at a table holds up a frame, with three younger figures beside her, perhaps her children, before hills and clouds. Between the panels, peony scrolls with leafy stems fill the ground.

The blue is soft and even under a glaze with a fine crackle. The flat base is unglazed and fired a warm orange, the edge of the foot rough and gritty. We attribute the jar to the early Ming dynasty.