Globe vase ‘Figures in Landscape’ in underglaze blue, Ming dynasty

A vase with a globular body and a short neck, made of cobalt-blue underglaze glazed ceramic. The decoration, arranged as a continuous scene around the body, comprises narrative scenes depicting characters in natural landscapes: a group playing on a chessboard, others in conversation or contemplation, and another figure carrying a cylindrical object, probably a musical instrument or a scroll. The setting is completed by bamboo trees, rock formations and stylized clouds. At the bottom is a vertical ornamental border with column and flower motifs. The base is unglazed. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) or later.

Height: 29 cm; Diameter: 30 cm