Bowl with meandering band around the mouth

The motif of this bowl, combining calligraphy with human figures, reflects a new trend in longquan productions during the Ming dynasty. In addition to auspicious phrases and the names of potters that increasingly began to appear on longquan ware since the Yuan, historical figures provided another rich resource for decorative motifs at Daotai and Daqi (Zhejiang Light Industry Bureau 1989: 26, pl. 10, fig. 5). The five divisions of this bowl each depict legendary figures: Niushi and Zhinu, an ox-herder and a goddess who broke Heaven's law by marrying; Bogong, a historical figure who expressed his political ambitions by playing a harp on a horse; Chengxiang wearing an official's hat (an indication of his status as prime minister); a street person carrying a yoke, with the character ren ("benevolence") in the center of the bowl.