Chinese Ming dynasty (16th century) blue and white porcelain meiping vase with bell-shaped cover decorated overall with classical lotus flowers among scrolling leafy stems, separated into three layers. The shoulder features the lotus-filled ruyi collar motif. 11 ¼” high (9 ¾” high without the lid). Very good overall condition with typical flaws, small areas where the glaze did not completely cover, and microscopic scratches to the glaze. The vase is slightly misshapen. The lid is possibly not original to the vase. This piece is from the private collection of a former diplomat to China in 1983-1984. It was purchased in Guangzhou at that time. The origin was likely a south China provincial kiln.