Rare Ming dynasty ewer with covered lip painted underglaze blue and white. Xuande mark. Height: 22.9 cm.Blue-and-white pottery decorated with cobalt on a white porcelain body covered with a clear colorless glaze. The first Chinese blue and white wares were produced as early as the seventh century in Henan province, China during the Tang dynasty. The true development of blue and white ware in China started with the first half of the 14th century, when it progressively replaced the centuries-long tradition of unpainted bluish-white southern Chinese porcelain, or Qingbai, as well as Ding ware from the north. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the finest blue was imported to China and known as "Mohammedan" blue. It was made throughout the Ming Dynasty, the high points being the reigns of the emperors Xuande (1426-1435) and Chenghua (1465-1487). The blue and white of the Qing Dynasty emperor Kangxi (1662-1722) is considered to be of the finest technical workmanship.

In good condition

9 x 6.25 in

2.34 lb