15th-16th century, three bowls each interior with a stylized flower within a blue ring, the exterior on all with sprays of leafy orchids and other flora.

2 1/2 in., 4 3/4 in. diameter

Property from the Estate of Jean Underwood, sold by the Ackland Art Museum to benefit the Ruth and Sherman Lee Fund for Asian Art

The Underwood collection of Vietnamese ceramics presents a curated selection of various shapes and patterns of blue and white created during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Vietnamese ceramic workshops came to a pinnacle in the 15th century spurred by the Chinese occupation of north Vietnam and the gap left in the market from lower exports from China. The Vietnamese were able to create high quality pieces similar to the Chinese style using underglaze cobalt blue with a heaping effect but with more graceful and willowy brushstrokes over a soft white paste stoneware. The Vietnamese exported their ceramics to southeast Asia and the Philippines.

Some nicks to rim on two bowls; small nick to foot rim of one; discoloration to well of one; another bowl with some kiln firing bubbles to well center, one with restored hairline to rim.