Rare circular stoneware lidded box with brown glaze – Cizhou style – - Stoneware - China - Yuan-Ming Dynasty

Elegant and antique circular box with its removable lid in stoneware (engraved art ceramic), characteristic of Cizhou-type productions or Fujian kilns (Yuan/Ming period).
The domed lid features a molded low-relief decoration of great delicacy, representing a stylized floral medallion (lotus or peony) at the center. This main motif is beautifully framed by a geometric border of fine radiating oblique grooves (chevron motif or fish-scale edges).
The object is coated with a deep glossy brown glaze, which stops irregularly just above the base, revealing the beige/cream stoneware body typical of these ancient productions. Originally, these delicate vessels were used by scholars or the nobility to preserve finely ground red ink intended for seals, cosmetics, or precious pieces of incense.

Features

• Object type: Circular box with lid (xianghe)
• Style / Origin: Cizhou type / Southern kilns (China)
• Period: Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) or early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
• Material: Stoneware ceramic
• Finish: Molded brown glaze in relief
• Dimensions: Diameter: 6.5 cm | Height: 3.5 cm