Begonia-shaped Flowerpot Container with Rose-purple Glaze

In the form of a begonia blossom, this porcelain container was made to hold a flowerpot. It has a trumpet mouth with emphatic rim, a gradually tapering body and a flat bottom with four cloud-scroll feet. On the bottom are five round holes and three inscriptions including eight characters in regular script (kai shu) and the character si (four), presumably indicating size and place of use. The inside wall is covered with white glaze, while the outside has thin and smooth rose-purple glaze with some patterns that suggest the lines that earthworms leave on the ground after rain.
This sturdy container is beautiful, covered by elegant moon-white glaze and florid red glaze. It is a fine example of wares used at the imperial court.