This dish has wide, rounded sides tapering towards the small, round foot. The entire vessel is covered with a light celadon glaze, a hue reminiscent of the surface of a lake. A floral design showing peonies is carved into the inside, and the veining of the petals incised with a smaller grating knife. The finish is thicker in the pattern's grooves, highlighting the darker lines in a naturally elegant fashion. The glaze has a smooth, clean luster, and the decorative design is of exquisite workmanship: the simple and concise lines effortlessly convey the distinguished beauty and noble refinement associated with the peony. The outer side under the dish's rim is adorned with two rows of simply executed curly cloud patterns wrapping around the whole vessel. Its fine craftsmanship and delicate artistic design put one in mind of Tang dynasty precious metal artifacts, since the Song literati class much admired the aesthetic ideals of earlier periods. This Yue ware dish will make a worthy addition to any aficionado's collection.

MD: 17.5 cm