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The delicate stem cup form was a new shape derived from the Mongolian taste of the then rulers of China, and became established in the potter's repertoire of later periods. Intended as a wine cup, it originated as wine making developed in China.

This cup was produced at Jingdezhen, the acknowledged centre of the Chinese porcelain industry. Porcelainware production was industrialised and different workers were responsible for separate processes. The bowl was thrown on a wheel, while the stem was created separately. While the clay was still sufficiently workable, the bowl was pressed onto a mould carved with the design of the five-clawed dragon pursuing a flaming pearl, then carefully pared down to thin the wall of the bowl sufficiently to ensure translucency.

The bowl and stem are joined by a coil of clay, part of which is clearly visible in the inside of the stem at the join. The glaze would most likely be applied to the unfired pot - requiring skill from long experience to avoid the pot collapsing when wet - and then was fired.