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Large jar
Large jar

Large jar

Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911), Reign of the Qianlong emperor (1736-1795)
MaterialsPorcelain with mold-impressed decoration and celadon glaze
DimensionsH. 16 1/4 in x Diam. 23 3/4 in, H. 41.3 cm x Diam. 60.3 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P30+
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
MarkingsQianlong mark and underglaze-blue character mark in two columns
More Information
This type of large jar began to be produced at Jingdezhen by order of the Ming court. In texts it takes the name "dragon jar" (longgang) after the conventional dragon motif applied to such jars. With its large proportions and required decoration these jars were very difficult to make. In fact, historical records allude to repeated failures in the late Ming and early Qing periods. Eventually the Yongzheng imperial shop, under the supervision of Tang Ling, succeeded in producing dragon jars (ZGMS Quanji 1988 vol. 3: pl. 192). With raised dragons flying in clouds and waves, this a rare, monumental specimen.