A blue and white Yuhuchunping vase, Yuan dynasty

Elegantly modeled, drop-shaped pottery with a slightly flaring circular base, a narrow neck and a bell-shaped mouth. This shape is called 'Yuhuchunping'. These vessels were originally used to contain wine for serving and have progressively been used as valuable decorative objects. 

The exterior is decorated in cobalt-blue enamel on white and underglaze. The design is divided into horizontal sections divided by borders. The two borders around the band of cartouches at the bottom, one of which is on the foot, are in the form of fretwork. In the center of the vase is the widest band. It is completed by three-lobed cartouches, which are joined at the top by a border of clouds. These are filled with waves with a leaf, a lotus blossom and a flower respectively. In addition, between these are flaming pearls. Finally, on the neck, there is another band of cartouches, another line of fretwork, and finally, banana leaves. On the inside, on the rim, there are bunches of leaves. 

On the base, there is a layer of white glaze that leaves the rim of the base free, where the color of the paste can be seen. It has a light color with reddish tones. Inside, the white glaze falls to about halfway down the neck. 

Height: 25.50 cm; Mouth diameter: 8.20 cm; Base diameter: 8 cm.

Provenance: Private European collection.