A PEWTER VASE AND COVER INLAID WITH COPPER

Ming dynasty
16th/17th century AD
China

Hexagonal, and of slender baluster form, the vase is inlaid around the foot with a key fret border - above which a variety of single animals are depicted amongst clouds, one on each face of the foot. The main band of decoration to the middle of the vase contains a single immortal figure within a landscape setting - one on each face - with three of the figures accompanied by an animal, and all executed with great charm and freedom of line. The shoulder is designed with a pattern of swirling clouds bordered, at the top, by a single row of large ruyi heads.

The neck bears six swastikas within horizontal diamonds, and the cover - with its broad hexagonal brim and domed centre - is decorated with flying birds amongst clouds, above scrolling flowers and leaves. It is surmounted by a pewter finial in the form of an attendant.

Height: 17 7/8" / 45.5 cm

Similar example:
'Oriental Sculpture and Works of Art', A & J Speelman 1999, catalogue no. 21.