This Chinese ewer, made in 11th century or early 12th century, takes the form of a girl with an upturned tail covered with fish scales and a pair of feathery wings who is holding the ewer spout. Mermaids are not usually part of Chinese iconography, and this winged figure may be more closely related to the angel-like creatures that are often seen in a Buddhist context with their hands similarly folded. ? The Trustees of the British Museum (2012).   Close