Large covered jar 鳳凰紋大罐
Ming dynasty, middle to second half of 16th c.
CB-CC-1939-210
A deep violet blue glaze is overpainted with pinkish-white porcelain slip, showing residual traces of gilding. On the belly, stands a phoenix among rocks and a peony in bloom, as well as cranes surrounded by lotuses and bamboo. On the shoulder, seahorses and unicorns qilin 麒麟 gambol in the waves. The cover depicts four Buddhist lions playing with embroidered balls.
Potiche jar with twelve lobes painted in underglaze copper oxide 四季花紋十二角大罐
Ming dynasty, middle to second half of 14th c.
CB-CC-1968-136
The copper oxide has turned grey instead of red owing to an error during firing. Twelve main panels around the sides are each painted with a different flowering plant, the entire scheme representing the Four Seasons.