This Ming dynasty stem bowl—a shape used in Buddhist ritual—exemplifies the finest blue-and-white porcelains of the early fifteenth century. The design is painted in underglaze cobalt blue. Leafy tendrils of a lotus scroll enframe eight blossoms, each topped with one of Buddhism's Eight Auspicious Emblems: a pair of fish, a lotus flower, a canopy, a parasol, a conch shell, the wheel of dharma, an endless knot, and a vase. These symbolize freedom, purity, righteousness, respect, the Buddha's voice, Buddhist law, compassion, and truth.

More information on this object can be found in the Gallery publication Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets, which is available as a free PDF https://www.nga.gov/content/dam/ngaweb/research/publications/pdfs/decorative-arts-part-ii.pdf