Blue and White Porcelain Koi Design Pot

At 14.5 cm tall and 11 cm wide, this blue and white porcelain pot with its hand-painted cobalt koi decoration has the bold graphic energy of the East Asian decorative tradition at its most direct, the bold cobalt koi swimming across the clean cylindrical form of the pot with a confidence and fluidity that gives the piece a visual dynamism well beyond its modest dimensions.

Made in the 20th century by an unidentified maker, this pot belongs to the long tradition of blue and white porcelain production in which the koi, with its associations of good fortune, perseverance, and abundance in East Asian culture, has been one of the most enduring and widely used decorative motifs. The koi, rendered in hand-painted cobalt blue against the white porcelain ground, are depicted with the bold, fluid brushwork that characterises the best East Asian ceramic painting, the fish swimming through stylised waves with a naturalism and energy that rewards close examination. The cylindrical form of the pot, which gives the decoration a continuous surface without the interruption of handles or spout, allows the koi motif to be displayed to maximum effect. The piece is in very good condition throughout.

• Maker: Unknown
• Dimensions: 14.5 cm (H) x 11 cm (W)
• Condition: Very Good
• Features: Hand-painted cobalt koi decoration, cylindrical form, white porcelain ground
• Period: 20th century
• SKU: SKU-00179

A bold and decorative piece of blue and white porcelain for the collector of East Asian-inspired ceramics. Pairs naturally with the tall blue and white blossom tree vase and the wider Blues and Whites collection.