COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
ASIA.1979.168
AMICA Library Year:
1999
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese
Creator Name-CRT:
Chinese
Title:
Jar
View:
Full view
Creation Date:
Ming period, early 15th century (probably Xuande era, 1426-1435)
Creation Start Date:
1426
Creation End Date:
1435
Materials and Techniques:
Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware)
Classification Term:
Ceramics
Creation Place:
China, Jiangxi Province
Dimensions:
H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); D. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm)
AMICA Contributor:
Asia Society
Owner Location:
New York, New York, USA
ID Number:
1979.168
Credit Line:
Asia Society: The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection
Context:
Noted for their refined bodies and elegant shapes, porcelains made during the reigns of the Xuande (1426-1435) and Chenghua (1465-1487) emperors of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) are ranked among the finest examples of imperial Chinese wares. Many of the characteristics of 15th-century porcelains result from increased imperial interest in ceramics. Ceramic production during this time--which was the near-exclusive domain of the imperial Jingdezhen kilns in Jiangxi Province--is noted for the development and refinement of techniques for making and decorating wares, and experimentation with shapes and designs.
The overall composition of this wide-mouthed blue-and-white jar shows the accomplished use of space that characterizes Xuande-era porcelain. The use of floral motifs, such as the four peony sprays encircling the exterior, is also typical of ceramics from this period. However, the quality of the painting does not match that found on Xuande imperial wares, indicating that it was not produced for the court. In general, the outlines of the motifs on nonimperial pieces are not as carefully delineated and the brushstrokes are less deliberate, giving the motifs a more blurred appearance than is found on court ceramics. A similar haphazardness is apparent in the decoration along the neck and base of this vessel.
Related Document Description:
Asia Society. Handbook of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection. New York: Asia Society, [1981], p. 75.
Related Document Description:
Lee, Sherman E. Asian Art: Selections from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd--Part II. New York: Asia Society, 1975, pp. 51, 97.
Related Image Identifier Link:
ASIA.1979.168.a.tif
