Blue-and-white Urn with Figure Design

The exterior of this jar has blue-and-white decoration showing an episode from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In this scene, treasures are presented to Lü Bu to convince him to surrender. Following Dong Zhuo’s instructions, Li Su carries an assortment of luxury goods including a winged steed name Chi Tu, gold, jewels, and a jade belt to Lü Bu’s military encampment in Luoyang to persuade Lü Bu to surrender. The figures are vividly painted in rich cobalt pigment. This jar is an outstanding example of Chongzhen-era blue-and-white ware.