Vase in the Form of an Ancient Bronze Gu

This vase is in the form of an ancient bronze wine vessel called a "gu" and consists of a white porcelain body painted in underglaze cobalt blue. Six prominent serrated ridges project vertically from the barrel bulge in the center and continue down the sloped sides of the raised foot. The trumpet shaped mouth is fashioned with two handles in the shape of grotesque lion heads, channeled at the mouths for rings. Swirling scrolls of stylized lotus blossoms and spiky leaves are painted on the external surface. A border of crested waves surrounds the foot, a band of vines bearing fruit cover the shoulders, and a framed panel beneath the upper rim is inscribed with the Wanli reign mark.