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A white and blue porcelain ewer with a squat body resting on four cylindrical legs. The finely decorated main body consists of a broad and deep container with rounded walls, a long tubular spout, and a sturdy handle to the rear. It is topped with a round-shaped lid with a small loop. The decoration features the "Eight Auspicious Symbols" (bajixiang): wheel of the dharma, endless knot, pair of fish, lidded jar, conch shell, victory banner, parasol, lotus flower. They are the eight treasures of Buddhism, believed to bring fortune. For a similar example, see Christie's Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Live Auction 2339, 17 September 2010, Lot 1426.
Size: L:220mm / W:220mm ; 1.3kg
Provenance: Private English collection of Sir Mark Heath KCVO CMG (1927-2005), and thence by descent.