Vase with lotus-paneled cover and flower finial

This multi-spouted vase, along with the three previous pieces of the same type, has not received the attention it deserves. Emblazoned by longquan potters in the late tenth century with a variety of different treatments for their knobs and carved ornaments, these pieces, among the rare existing examples of this type, preserve the most vital art themes of the time. This piece is particularly important for its animal-headed spouts that are a unique scheme for such jars. The four-layered body is adorned with five projecting heads and carved lotus panels on each layer.