This globular jarlet features three bands of decoration executed in underglaze cobalt blue around its body, with stylised lotus scrolls occupying the middle register. The development of Vietnamese blue and white ceramics was spurred by the Chinese occupation of north Vietnam from 1407 to 1428 and the decline of Chinese porcelain exports during the fifteenth century. Vietnamese potters were quick to capitalise on the gap and became prolific producers of blue and white wares, which they exported to overseas consumers in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Phillipines. Small ceramic jars or jarlets were a popular commodity among the local communities and were probably used to contain medicines, oils and even magic potions.
