These vases have fish-shaped handles, cylindrical lips, trumpet necks, slender baluster bodies and stepped hollow domed bases. The bodies are loosely painted with peony sprays, the necks with water plants, the bases with classical scrolls. The glazes have a distinctive bluish tinge.

At one time these were considered to date from the Yuan Dynasty (and are described as such on the invoice when purchased by the Duberlys), and were thought to represent the earliest blue and white porcelain. It has now been established that they date from the third quarter of the 15th century. Five jars and covers with similar decoration have been excavated from the tomb of a certain Luo Hengxin, who died in 1457, and of his wife who died in 1459. They also relate to another tomb excavation of a 1453 burial.

Literature: Anthony du Boulay, The Duberly Collection of Chinese Art at Winchester College (Winchester, 2019), p. 27

Provenance: Bequeathed as part of the Duberly Collection, 1978; purchased by Major Montagu and Lady Eileen Duberly from John Sparks, 8 August 1950 (£15)

Location: Not on display