Ming dynasty (AD 1368-1644)
Height 39 4 cm, Mouth Diameter 9.3 cm
Excavated at the King Zhouhui’s tomb of the Ming Dynasty, Chu Village, Xingyang, Henan Province, 1958

This vessel has a flared mouth, a thin neck, an inward-sloping body, and a ring foot. The entire work features a white glaze, which appears smooth and glistening. There is a slight bluish colouration in the white of the glaze. The blue-and white cloud and dragon design runs from the neck to the foot of the vessel. The dragon's head is raised, and its body winds around the vessel, appearing to fly amidst the clouds bringing rain and illustrating its power over heaven and earth.

This vessel uses Sumatra blue to produce its blue-and-white glaze, the colour of which is extremely bright. It also features crystalline speckling. Both of these traits are characteristic features of early Ming blue-and-white porcelain ware.