A Tian is a large French bowl, traditionally used to prepare duck confit, and can be used to serve any manner of dishes. It's wide mouth tapers at the sides to a narrow base. The outer surface is left unglazed and bare, a utilitarian gesture that, over time, allows the Tian to become decorated only with flaws, dents and dings. The interior of the Tian is highly embellished with sgraffito figures. A veritable circus within; a galloping chaos of beasts and animals, pinned down by three tiny eggs in a nest at the centre. Signed with "1690", the date Sophie Wilson's house was raised.