SMALL HEXAGONAL EWER, Old Nanking, with underglaze blue butterfly design, With wooden box, Ming–Qing Dynasty（1368–1911CE）

A small hexagonal ewer with underglaze-blue butterfly decoration from Old Nanking, dating to the late Ming to early Qing period.

A 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.

Believed 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.

Originally 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.

The 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.

As 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.

Accompanied by a wooden box.