A rare small black-enamelled biscuit porcelain vase from the 18th/19th century decorated with a continues scene of a boy catching his ox in a landscape. Black-enamelled biscuit porcelain is very rare and only a few examples are known. The quality of decoration on the present small vase is superb, combined with the theme could indicate a commissions ordered by a scholar. Ten Bulls or Ten Ox Herding Pictures (Chinese: shíniú 十牛) is a series of short poems and accompanying drawings used in the Zen tradition to describe the stages of a practitioner's progress toward enlightenment and their return to society to enact wisdom and compassion. The scene shown on the vase is: Catching the Bull; with the following poem. I seize him with a terrific struggle. His great will and power are inexhaustible. He charges to the high plateau far above the cloud-mists, Or in an impenetrable ravine he stands. Reference: See a black-enamelled vase at Rob Michiels: https://www.rm-auctions.com/en/asian-arts-3/7171-a-chinese-black-enamelled-biscuit-porcelain-dragon-vase-xuande-mark-18-19th-c Also a rare Daoguang M&P box sold at Christie's bearing some resemblance: (GBP 6,875): https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-very-rare-small-biscuit-porcelain-dragon-5129615/?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5129615&sid=24d816a2-d9c5-48e8-8ab4-8da3290aab42 Condition: Perfect condition! No damage. Dimensions : H11 x W6,5 cm Shipping method: The item is securely packed and shipped with insurance without stand or doll house vase.