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Square dish
Square dish

Square dish

Place of OriginJiangxi province, China
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644), Reign of the Jiajing emperor (1522-1566)
MaterialsPorcelain with underglaze-blue decoration
DimensionsH. 1 3/4 in x W. 5 3/8 in x D. 5 3/8 in, H. 4.4 cm x W. 13.7 cm x D. 13.7 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB62P116
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
MarkingsJiajing mark, six-character mark in two columns
More Information
Square-shaped shallow bowls were common in blue-and-white and overglaze polychrome decorated types during the Jiajing period. This piece has four-folded corners and an unglazed rim that was intended to be colored later.. The main design motif, a conventional dragon playing with a pearl, on the interior bottom is boldly and swiftly drawn. It is bordered by a floral band on the rim. The dragon on each of the four sides on the exterior of the dish is accompanied by a phoenix in each corner. The inscription is written in a powerful, sophisticated manner.