Plate with dragon, phoenix, and flower motifs
Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Date1723-1735
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911), Reign of the Yongzheng emperor (1723-1735)
MaterialsPorcelain with underglaze and overglaze multicolor decoration
DimensionsH. 3 5/8 in x Diam. 17 5/8 in, H. 9.2 cm x Diam. 44.8 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P269
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
On viewLocationGallery 17
MarkingsYongzheng mark, underglaze-blue six-character mark in two columns
More InformationFlowers, Birds, and Landscapes of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, 1368–1911
Whereas Song-dynasty artisans emphasized realistic depictions and lifelike representations of scenes in nature, artisans during the Ming dynasty paid increasing attention to technique and symbolism. Particular flowers or combinations of birds and flowers were often chosen less for their intrinsic beauty than for their symbolic meaning. As a result, Ming and Qing artisans became successful in blending decorative motifs from multiple sources into a consistent, cohesive visual language. This language— utilizing birds, flowers, plants, and landscapes together with color symbolism—continued to evolve and expand during the Qing dynasty, reaching a pinnacle in the 1700s.
Technological developments made possible the large variety of sizes, shapes, and decorative techniques of the objects in this case. Specific developments created by Ming artisans—underglaze cobalt blue on a white background and multicolor enameling—attained their most accomplished expression during the Qing dynasty.
Whereas Song-dynasty artisans emphasized realistic depictions and lifelike representations of scenes in nature, artisans during the Ming dynasty paid increasing attention to technique and symbolism. Particular flowers or combinations of birds and flowers were often chosen less for their intrinsic beauty than for their symbolic meaning. As a result, Ming and Qing artisans became successful in blending decorative motifs from multiple sources into a consistent, cohesive visual language. This language— utilizing birds, flowers, plants, and landscapes together with color symbolism—continued to evolve and expand during the Qing dynasty, reaching a pinnacle in the 1700s.
Technological developments made possible the large variety of sizes, shapes, and decorative techniques of the objects in this case. Specific developments created by Ming artisans—underglaze cobalt blue on a white background and multicolor enameling—attained their most accomplished expression during the Qing dynasty.
Subject
- phoenix
- dragon
- flower
1736-1795
approx. 1573-1660
approx. 1573-1660
approx. 1650-1700
1821-1850
1723-1735
