Doucai ‘Interlocking Hydrangea and Dragon’ Monk’s Cap Ewer

The ewer has an upturned rim and a distinctive stepped profile, rising higher at the back and lower in front, with a spout shaped like a duck’s bill. It features a constricted neck, a globular body, a curved handle, and a circular foot. The body is decorated with doucai (contrasting colours) technique using underglaze blue. The exterior is fully painted with interlocking hydrangea scrolls, through which dragons weave among the flowers and leaves. The shape originates from Yuan dynasty metalwork and is named for its rim’s resemblance to the hats of Tibetan Buddhist monks.