This ewer with a gently-lobed body is affixed with a twisted rope handle that separates into two straps terminating in sprig-moulded floral panels. Ewers of such a form are associated with the Ding kilns in Hebei province, which were esteemed as one of the “Five Great Kilns” during the Song dynasty (960–1279) for their ivory-white porcelain wares. The design of this ewer is thought to have been inspired by a ripening melon hanging from its stem, with the applique panels issuing from the straps imitating leaves.
