D: 10 cm
H: 4 cm

Blue glazed earthenware first appeared during the Sui-Tang era, using cobalt pigments as colorant. Since cobalt was initially rare and expensive, and not easy to work, thus raising the production costs, blue glazed ware for a long time remained the prerogative of the nobility, in particular the emperor and his family. This lot is entirely covered in evenly applied blue glaze of a faint, darkish sapphire hue. Near the foot, where the finish is thinner, the body’s tawny ocher is visible. The round foot is slightly wider than usual and embellished with two lines of a swirling design. The item shows a decorous design and excellent workmanship in keeping with its aristocratic roots.