The 'li' is a uniquely Chinese cooling vessel which when filled with water and covered with a perforated vessel, was used for steaming. The simple surface decoration is characteristic of such wares: the deep cord-like markings on the body are the imprints left by the cord-lined moulds in which the piece was shaped. The vessel shape is made of three mammary lobes standing on pointed feet.

Reference:

Willets, W., 'Foundations of Chinese Art' London, Thames and Hudson, 1965. pg.38, fig. 13.

Valenstein, S., 'A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics' New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1975, collection plate no. 3 (pg.14).

Pang, M.A., 'An album of Chinese Art' Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, 1983, fig. 14.

Asian Art Dept., AGNSW, 21 September 1983.