4th-to-6th-century vessel with lotus patterns known as king of celadon

Celadon is one of China’s traditional ceramics, and enjoyed fully-fledged development during the 3rd and 6th centuries. A celadon vessel (zun) broadly decorated with lotus and other floral patterns, dating back to the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577), is regarded as the king of celadon. The decorating process involves engraving and pasting.

Influenced by Buddhist culture, lotus-themed artworks were popular at that time. The vessel was an important burial item that could release the soul of the deceased from purgatory.

Unearthed from the tombs of the Feng family in Jingxian county, Hebei province, the vessel with lotus patterns is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of China.