Blue and White Kundika with Ganoderma and Peonies Designs

This kundika (Chinese junchi) has a straight mouth with a ring atop a long neck. The body is round, and a breast-shaped spout with a silver fitting is located at the intersection of the shoulder and body. The piece is supported by a round foot. Apart from the bottom of the foot, the entire surface is covered in a white glaze and decorated with blue designs. The body features main designs in six sections divided by vertical lines with successive features of Ganoderma fungi (lingzhi) with tendrils and foliated floral designs. The underside has the inscription “H.W.T.176” in red letters. H.W.T. is the abbreviation for Han Wai Toon (Han Huaizhun, 1892–1970), who donated this work to the Palace Museum.

Chinese entry by Han Qian
Translated and edited by Adam J. Ensign and Kang Xiaolu