Artist: Unknown; Date(s): circa 1573 - 1619; Classification(s): porcelain, vase, throwing, porcelain, thrown, decorated in underglaze-blue, with modelled lion masks projecting in high relief; Acquisition: bequeathed by Reitlinger, Henry Scipio, 1950, Bequeathed by H.S. Reitlinger, 1950; transferred from the Reitlinger Trust, 1991. [C.702-1991]
Description: Square section zun vase with lion masks. Hard-paste porcelain painted in underglaze blue. The vase is of beaker form and square in section. The compressed central section has four boldly modelled lion masks, which project in high relief, supported on a high splayed base and surmounted by a waisted neck. The nianhao is positioned on the galleried rim. The deep, moulded footrim has a wide rim, and underneath is a flat, unglazed base fractionally recessed. The mouth rim is painted with scrolling tendrils on three sides and a six-character Wanli mark centred on the fourth. The other section is painted with scaly dragons and a phoenix (Fenhuang) amongst foliage, with bands of stylised mountains and waves at the base of each section. The footrim has a raised band of wave decoration.
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