Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Oil Bottle, c. 1500

This elegant ceramic vessel is a Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) bottle originally used for storing oil or sauces. Dated to the 15th/16th century, the bottle has a gracefully curved form kn...

This petite ceramic bottle is a Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) vessel originally used for serving rice wine or spirits. The gracefully curved form is known as a yuhuchunping, or pear-shape...

A Korean ceramic bottle with octagonal faceted form with underglaze copper red decoration. The robust bottle with the long neck and a relatively thick built was used to hold liquor such as wine and it was from Joseon dynasty, likely late period (circa mid-late 19th century). The bottle was covered in a milky white glaze with a pleasant warm yellow tint. It has an underglaze iron red paint of branches of gingko leaves on the front and the back side. The color was oxidated into an ochre brown hue instead of iron red. The octagonal form extends nicely from the opening to the base, continuing through the body and makes this bottle geometrically interesting. The rustic paint of the gingko leaves also render the piece a folky modern appeal. For three faceted wine bottles from different period of Joseon Dynasty, see illustration 2, 71 and 73 of "Five Centuries of Korean Ceramics Pottery and Porcelains of the Yi Dynasty...

At the center of the vase, a bird is depicted with clean yet detailed lines, capturing the moment mid-flight with a sense of dynamic energy. The artist skillfully conveys the bird’s vitality with minimal strokes, creating the impression that it could soar into the sky at any moment. Though there are no explicit branches or leaves, the flowing curves of the background subtly connect the bird with the natural world. The simplicity of the lines creates a harmonious relationship between the bird and its environment, reflecting the artist’s ability to evoke nature without relying on intricate details. The neck of the vase is adorned with elegant plant motifs, where stems and leaves stretch upward, complementing the overall shape of the vase. These motifs, while simple, add sophistication and enhance the vase’s graceful form. At the base, repeating geometric patterns contribute to the sense of balance and stability. These patterns not only ground the piece but also serve as decorative elements, completing the vase’s aesthetic unity. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam, Vietnam Type : Yuhuchun Vase Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : 1) Seattle Art Museum - Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2000.125. 2) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 3) Asian art museum, San Francisco * Vietnamese trade ceramic...