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Bowl with a depiction of nine dragons, one of a pair
Bowl with a depiction of nine dragons, one of a pair

Bowl with a depiction of nine dragons, one of a pair

Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Date1573-1620
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644), Reign of the Wanli emperor (1573-1620)
MaterialsPorcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze red decoration
DimensionsH. 1 1/2 in x Diam. 5 in, H. 3.8 cm x Diam. 12.7 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P1298
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
On view
LocationGallery 17
More Information

Tea Making, 1300–present

To infuse drinkers with vitality, varieties of tea were made according to season and weather conditions. Tea became a part of the aesthetics of the imperial family and educated elite who sought ideal preparation requiring quality mountain spring water, high-quality tea from renowned tea plantations, and the perfect tea ware. Tea making involved pouring boiling water over tea leaves in specially designed pots, from which tea was poured into small cups for individual drinking.