A blue and white pear-shaped ewer, Ming Dynasty, 16 century.

Encircled four characters Ming 大明年制 (Da Ming nian zhi) seal mark on base executed in underglaze blue.

A Pear-shaped ceramic ewer decorated with blue and white underglaze. The body is flattened and sits on a flared base. At the height of the belly rises an elongated nozzle that bends to the front and ends at the height of the mouth. Above the body rises a stylized neck that widens until it reaches the mouth. 

The decoration is divided into bands. In the center of the body is a peach-shaped panel, made of lotus scrolls, above a sacred treasure and surrounded by more flowers with intertwined leaves. The rest of the spaces are filled by a band of ribbons at the base, sacred flames on the mouthpiece and a lotus flower blooming on the neck under a geometric border and a band of leaves. 

The handle, the connection between the neck and the mouthpiece, and the spout tip was replaced using Ottoman silver. The mount is fastened around the neck and is decorated with engravings. It is in good condition.

Height: 23 cm; Width: 17.50 cm

Provenance:

Private collection, Italy.

Bonhams, London, November 5, 2009, "Fine Chinese Art", lot 101.

Edward (Ted) Wrangham, O.B.E. (1928-2009) Collection