A Fahua "lotus" bottle-vase China, Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), 17th century The vase features a classic bottle shape, with a tall, slender neck and a globular body. The surface is adorned with intricate patterns and motifs, typically featuring lotus flowers.The designs are outlined in raised lines, creating a three-dimensional effect and enhancing the visual impact of the piece.The Fahua glaze is typically applied in a limited palette of colors, including turquoise blue, aubergine purple, yellow, and white. These colors are often used to create striking contrasts and bold designs. The glaze is then applied in separate color areas, creating a vibrant and richly textured surface. The firing process further enhances the colors and creates a glossy finish. This bottle vase, crafted during the Ming Dynasty, showcases the distinctive beauty and artistry of Fahua ware. Fahua (法华), meaning "Buddhist" or "decorated," refers to a type of Chinese ceramic ware characterized by its vibrant colors, bold designs, and use of raised outlines to separate the different color areas. The Ming Dynasty was a period of great social, economic, and cultural change in China. The arts flourished under the patronage of the imperial court and the literati class. Fahua ware, with its unique aesthetic and cultural significance, became highly sought after by the imperial court, the scholar-official class, and wealthy merchants. It was also exported to Southeast Asia and Japan, where it was admired for its beauty and craftsmanship. Provenance: French private collection - Galerie art asiatique, Marseille Height: 24 cm