14th-century vase in rare glaze features symbols of noble spirits

The prunus vase (Meiping) with a lid from the Hongwu reign (1368-1398) is the only intact piece of its kind dating to that period. There are seven groups of patterns in under-glazed red on it, among which the pine, bamboo and plum tree patterns are highlighted. As a burial item of a princess of Emperor Yongle (1403-1424), the vase boasts an elegant shape and exquisite designs. From the collection of the Nanjing Museum.