Large jar on footring, wide mouth, spreading foot. Decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous landscape with three horsemen, two figures near a pavilion and a large banana plant. Around the foot a band with stylised lotus-petal panels, around the shoulder a band with lambrequins, filled with a flower and scrolls. Around the mouthrim a meandering border. The base is unglazed. This type of jar (kuan) was used in China to store wine. They were clearly exported, as similar examples have been located outside China, including the Middle East (Pope, Krahl & Ayers). They were probably quite expensive and used as ornaments. This pot originally had a lid. The decoration is in a light, somewhat watery blue and is typifies porcelain produced at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries. This sturdy jar, painted in an accomplished and lively way, is unquestionably a highlight of the Van Diepen Collection.