COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
ASIA.1979.174
AMICA Library Year:
1999
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese
Creator Name-CRT:
Chinese
Title:
Dish
View:
Full view
Creation Date:
Ming period, mid- to late 15th century (probably Chenghua era, 1465-1487)
Creation Start Date:
1465
Creation End Date:
1487
Materials and Techniques:
Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware)
Classification Term:
Ceramics
Creation Place:
China, Jiangxi Province
Dimensions:
H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); D. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
AMICA Contributor:
Asia Society
Owner Location:
New York, New York, USA
ID Number:
1979.174
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, experimentation with shapes and designs, and the widespread use of reign marks (inscriptions that identify the name of the dynasty and the reign name of an emperor).
Although this blue-and-white dish lacks a reign mark, a similar design of a five-clawed dragon writhing against a sea of storming waves is found on pieces bearing the six-character Chenghua mark. Painted in underglaze cobalt blue on the interior, the dragon's powerful, long, thin body and strong face and jaws are characteristic of both Chenghua and Xuande interpretations of this mythical creature. Five similar dragons decorate the exterior rim. The decorative theme, the fineness of the porcelain body, and the delicacy and control of the painting indicate that this dish was intended for imperial use.
Related Document Description:
Asia Society. Handbook of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection. New York: Asia Society, [1981], p. 77.
Related Document Description:
Joseph, Adrian M. Ming Porcelains: Their Origins and Development. London: Bibelot, 1971, pp. 26-27.
Related Document Description:
Lee, Sherman E. Asian Art: Selections from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd. New York: Asia Society, 1970, pp. 64, 65, 75.
Related Document Description:
Sotheby and Co. Chinese Ceramics from the Collection of H.R.N. Norton (auction, London, November 5, 1963), lot 165.
Related Image Identifier Link:
ASIA.1979.174.a.tif
