Stunning, Chinese 15th Century Ming Dynasty Wanli Period, Wucai Dragon and Phoenix Sunflower flori-form porcelain basin. The Finest porcelain potted in mouthwash bowl, slight deep vessel form, with broad wide central interior, rounded cavetto gently tapering to open wide, a slightly flared lip and scalloped sunflower form lip, raised with big sunflower form shallow draft. All reserved hand painted ornamentations are rendered in clean white underglaze base color which contrast against the DouCai design color. Doucai decoration the design is outlined in underglaze blue and filled in with overglaze colored enamels except blue. Colors which fit together but also contrasting or joined colors. Decoration in a combination of underglaze cobalt blue outlines and enamels added on top of the fired glaze, within the outlines. The center interior sunflower medallion, the outer medallion and the upper mouth lip adorned with flying phoenix beside five claws imperial dragon soaring amidst thrashing Lishui waves water, flaming ruyi, cumulus clouds, with face and upper right appendage outstretched toward the heavens. Each section banded and enclosed with double fine blue rings. Since the dragon and the phoenix usually serve as auspicious symbols, any reported sightings of a dragon or phoenix were considered extremely auspicious, heralding a glorious period of peace and prosperity for the people and the country. This is reflected in the Chinese saying, When the dragon soars and the phoenix dances, the people will enjoy happiness for years, bringing peace and tranquility to all under heaven. From references to the dragon and phoenixes in local festivals and rites to the heights of literature and fine art, they all reveal the glory of these legendary animals. The colors are harmonious, elegant and exquisite, the composition is sophisticated, simply a feast for the eye. The underside unglazed, revealed the pale-creme ground revealed and dark grayish brown spotted firing marks and edge-cut foot rim. The porcelain conformed all required specimen to be high valued Chinese porcelain wares, with finest material, the whiteness, the glaze, and the carving. Without overlap the outlines of the design, well carved, clear, subtle, distinct, and the shape is uniformly proportioned. The Under-base bears a reign mark, a six underglaze blue script characters reign mark, enclosed within double fine blue rings, Made In The Years of Wanli Reign Period of The Great Ming Dynasty.Height:3.5 inWidth: 13.78 in in