{"product_id":"antique-chinese-ceramics-159","title":"SMALL HEXAGONAL EWER, Old Nanking, with underglaze blue butterfly design, With wooden box, Ming–Qing Dynasty（1368–1911CE）","description":"\u003cp\u003eA small hexagonal ewer with underglaze-blue butterfly decoration from Old Nanking, dating to the late Ming to early Qing period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small hexagonal ewer whose body is painted in underglaze blue with butterflies and floral sprays. A spout and handle occupy opposing sides; though small enough to rest in the palm, its chamfered body, upright rim, and elongated spout combine to present a composed, refined silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelieved to be Old Nanking underglaze-blue ware, the white porcelain body carries a slight gray cast, and the underglaze blue, rendered in varying tones, depicts butterflies and flowering plants with a free, flowing grace. Each face is given its own motif, and the rims are marked with a deep indigo border; though small, the piece is executed with delicate workmanship. Retaining the rustic appeal of early underglaze blue, the hexagonal form nonetheless conveys a compact, restrained elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally likely made as a small water ewer, its diminutive proportions, easy-to-handle spout, and the shape of the handle all convey the sense of an object long cherished by sencha practitioners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid is also decorated in underglaze blue with floral motifs that harmonize with the body. The underside of the lid shows old flaking, and the body bears age-related abrasion, soiling, areas of glaze loss, and minor scratches. Overall, the piece presents a calm, well-worn presence consistent with long use as a functional object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a small ewer in Old Nanking underglaze blue, this is a well-proportioned example whose form, decoration, and sense of scale are in harmonious balance. Naturally suited to use among sencha tea utensils, it also pairs readily with Chinese tea service; in its small dimensions it nonetheless suggests an entire world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanied by a wooden box.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ROCANIIRU COLLECTION","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52744929902873,"sku":null,"price":1125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/9911\/1193\/files\/2026062816452.jpg?v=1782650059","url":"https:\/\/rcnir.com\/en-gb\/products\/antique-chinese-ceramics-159","provider":"入蘆花（ロカニイル）","version":"1.0","type":"link"}