This rare blue-and-white bowl has an erotic subject painted in underglaze cobalt blue in the centre. The shape of this bowl, with angled sides and flaring lip is usually found in shufu wares.Fourteenth century blue-and-white wares are closely associated with export to Asia and Islamic lands. Therefore, floral motifs of chrysanthemum and peony as well as dense geometric patterns are common Shufu decorative themes for such wares. Figurative decoration, especially of erotic subjects, is rare.Shufu wares refer to Chinese white porcelain made during the Yuan dynasty (1206–1368) at Jingdezhen. This type of ware was the first-known porcelain ordered by imperial officials, so it sometimes bore the characters shufu (literally 'central palace', or privy council). Common forms of the ware included plates, bowls, and tall foot bowls.
