Yuan Dynasty White Porcelain Vase

White porcelain vase and cover with underglaze decoration of leaf sprays and floral motifs in various panels, excavated in 1961 in the Hai-tien sector of Peking.

Height 66 cm

Yuan dynasty: late 14th century AD

This unparalleled vase was found outside the Te-sheng gate. The greyish colour of the design suggests that copper is the basis of the underglaze pigment, some specks of red confirming this for the lid, The delicate floral design is more characteristic of the early Ming period, and this piece may have been made after 1368. 1

"The Genius of China". London UK: Times Newspaper LTD, 1973

An exhibition of archaeological finds of the People's Republic of China held at the Royal Academy, London by permission of the President and Council from 29 September 1973 to 23 January 1974 Sponsored by The Times and Sunday Times in association with the Royal Academy and the Great Britain/China Committee.