YUAN DYNASTY (1279-1368)

This type of vase or flask, which almost certainly developed from a metal proto-type, is often referred to as a ‘pure water’or ‘holy water’bottle. It is particularly associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Guanyin). This bottle form relates to the kendi and the kundika, having the distinctive flange on the neck, but is differentiated from the kendi and kundika by having no spout on the shoulder. Only a small number of Longquan vessels of this form are known. For a larger example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, see Longquan of the World, Longquan Celadon and Globalization. Vol. II. State Vessels, The Palace Museum, Beijing, 2019, cat. No. 067.