This jar has a unique design of various types of fish including one with makara-like snout, painted with lively brushwork and varying tones of underglaze cobalt blue. It may have been found in Indonesia, where imported ceramics were highly prized as pusaka or heirloom pieces.Vietnamese ceramics tradition rose to prominence during the early 15th century; a time also known as the ‘Ming Gap’ when Chinese porcelain exports were banned in China in favour of tributary trade. However rather than merely imitate Chinese wares, Vietnamese ceramics developed in unique ways and rare designs such as this suggest that a discerning clientele existed in the wider Southeast Asia region and beyond.
