25 | A CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL BOTTLE Ming dynasty early 16th century AD China The small bottle vase is raised on a circular copper foot - its squat, bulbous body supporting a long and elegant neck. The base of the body is decorated with a design of swaying linked petals in rust red enamel. The rest of the vase has a ground of dark blue. Four lotus flowers in red, yellow and white decorate the main body; these are encircled by stems with scrolling leaves in dark, crushed green enamel issuing from a conch shell between each lotus. A copper band divides the body from the neck - the latter being decorated with three vertical rows of open flowers amongst leaves. Height: 6 ½" / 16.5 cm Compare: 'Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Enamels', by Sir Harry Garner, Faber and Faber, London 1970 - colour plate D. This early 16th century meiping is of comparable size, and is decorated with similar white flowers around the shoulder. 'Chinese Art, The Minor Arts' volume II - by Jenyns and Watson, Oldbourne Press, London - printed 1962, fig. 81. This ewer and cover is decorated with similar lotus flowers and scrolling leaves against a dark blue ground.