This blue and white jar has a bulbous body and a straight narrow neck. The neck of the jar features a band of banana leaves followed underneath by a scroll of lotus sprays. On the body of the jar are three principal designs of a pine tree, a prunus and a bamboo tree forming auspicious words. One of the bamboo tree trunks forms the word ‘fu’ (福, wealth) whilst the other word is ‘shou’ (寿,longevity). The trunks of the other trees convolute into the word ‘an’ (安,peace) and ‘kang’ (康,health). With reference to the decorations, the jar appears to be made for popular consumption rather than for imperial use. There is, however, a reign mark of Wanli of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) at the base of the jar.
