Bulb bowl Juntai, northeast China Ming dynasty, AD 1403-1435

Even though many new types of ceramics developed during the Ming dynasty, older forms were still admired and produced. Song dynasty (AD 960-1279) ceramics had long been appreciated by connoisseurs. One type was jun ware, with its distinctive blue and purple glaze. This flower-pot-stand, made for the Imperial court, is a Ming version of jun ware. Stoneware, incised mark and moulded decoration under blue and purple glaze. Bequeathed by Mr F. P. M. Schiller.