Chinese Blue-and-White Pierced Ceramic Potpourri Vessel

A blue-and-white covered vessel designed as a pierced decorative container or potpourri jar. The lower body is decorated in underglaze blue with large floral blossoms and scrolling foliage against a pale ground, separated by a horizontal floral border from the extensively pierced domed cover, which allows air to circulate through the vessel. The openwork gives the object an almost architectural quality; it may be displayed open or closed.