JAR / MIZUSASHI, Ko-Sometsuke, with fish-scale and floral design and lid, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE)

A Ming Dynasty lidded jar in antique blue-and-white, decorated with a fish-scale and floral design. It has been presented as a water jar.

The jar has a rounded, swelling profile. The body is painted in underglaze cobalt with floral motifs and a fish-scale pattern. A large floral motif occupies the front, while on either side a fish-scale design—formed by a diagonal lattice overlaid with circular motifs—spreads outward. The pale gradations of the cobalt and the slightly coarse, flowing brushstrokes convey the characteristic vitality of early blue-and-white wares.

Ko-sometsuke refers to a group of blue-and-white wares from the folk kilns of Jingdezhen, produced primarily in the late Ming. Areas of glaze loss, pitting, and crackle remain as part of their surface, and they possess a roughness and approachable quality that contrasts with the restrained refinement of official-kiln porcelain.

Glaze loss is visible from the exterior into the interior, revealing the clay body in places. Against the white ground, pale underglaze cobalt, brown crazing, and the color of the clay overlap, producing subtle variation across the vessel’s surface. The interior shows extensive flaking, especially around the base, giving the piece the appearance of long use.

A lid is included; the jar may be used as a mizusashi (water jar). The lid bears a repair. Glaze loss, crazing, surface wear, and soiling are evident on the body and rim.

This lidded jar, presented as a mizusashi, invites appreciation for the weathered surface of its Ko-sometsuke and for the flowing fish‑scale and floral motif.