A rather rare and highly unusual Ming period Chinese sancai-glazed biscuit ewer in the form of a crayfish poised upon a lotus leaf riding the crest a wave with koi jumping amongst the swirling waters on either side, and a further companion, a toad, forming the cover of the ewer, riding upon the crayfish’s back. The color, composition, and form of this piece all adds to its charm and whimsy.  Pieces such as these were made not only for the Chinese market, but also for the Southeast Asian trade, especially Indonesia, where they were used for wine vessels in ritual ceremonies, as well as a few making their way into early noble and royal European collections where they were admired as curiosities and given as diplomatic gifts. Measuring approximately 8″ tall x 5″ wide, this one appears in rather good condition with only some restoration to the cover, the tip of the spout, and one of the crayfish legs. Similar example in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam                Circa 1573-1620.