A CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE STAND.A CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE STAND. Ming Dynasty, six character Wanli mark and of the period. Comprising of a circular ring supported on ruyi-head feet bound by a ring base, decorated around the exterior with birds perched on fruiting and flowering branches, above floral sprays rising from a border of stylised waves, the mouth rim with the Eight Buddhist Emblems, 24cm diameter. 明萬曆 青花繪座，青花「大明萬曆年製」款 The precise function of this stand is not currently known but various examples of a Wanli date survive, see for instance Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, The British Museum London, 2001, p 430 fig 13:43 & 13:44.