The most unusual celadon-glazed stoneware dish seen here can be documented by comparison with a counterpart that was found in 1988 in a Northern Zhou–dynasty tomb excavated near Xian, in Shaanxi Province. Their profuse decoration relates these two rare dishes to a small group of high-fired celadon-glazed stoneware jars, also with flamboyant decoration, that was manufactured in northern China during the sixth century.

The central medallion of a feline encircled by a number of concentric ornamental bands is rendered in extraordinarily sharp, exquisite detail. The feline—sprawled in a spread-eagle position with its head turned backward—as well as the ring of pearl beading, the design of scrolling leaves alternating with outstretched animals, the wreathlike motif, and the band of concave radiating lotus petals, all show the very strong influence of the Western metalwork that was greatly admired and imported by the Chinese during the Six Dynasties period.