This piece comprises the yu vessel itself and its lid. The lid is bowl-shaped with a flat top; a jeweled handle is attached to the lid-top. Designed for use as a spittoon, the vessel has a barbed rim, a “sunflower petal” mouth, a deep, rounded belly and a flat base. The piece is covered in polychrome lacquer (red, yellow and green). On the lid, the handle is formed from a mass of petals; a ring of ruyi symbols run round the base of the handle, while the rest of the lid is decorated with carvings of intertwined lotus flowers against a background of the “thunder” motif. The right-angled rim is decorated on both faces with a continuous pattern of intertwined lotus stems; the mouth is also rimmed by a circle decorated with the “thunder” motif. The other side of the rim is has four protrusions set against a carved background; the interior of the four protrusions is carved in relief with images of the “Four Gentlemen” (plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum). The body of the vessel is carved with tortoises against a background of flowers. The inner walls and base of the vessel and of the lid are coated with black lacquer, and the inner walls of both vessel and lid have also been decorated with golden flowers and branches. The lacquer on this yu vessel with lid is thickly applied and masterfully executed; the carved symbols have auspicious connotations “wealth and good fortune for ten thousand generations”. Overall, this is a first-class piece that displays outstanding workmanship.

D: 14.3 cm