The function of the bowlstand is very similar to that of a saucer. As steaming bowls of tea had no handles, they were placed on stands when served, so as not to burn the fingers of the recipient, and also to provide a stable support for bowls which often have narrow bases. A related example of a plain brown lacquer bowlstand, supported on a slightly higher foot ring, excavated in the Yixing district, Jiangsu province, is illustrated in Zhongguo Meishu Quanji, vol. 8, Lacquerware, Wenwu chubanshe, 1989, no. 93. Also compare a similar black lacquer bowlstand with a bracket-lobed petal-form flange, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29/30 April 2001, lot 628.