Vase with dragon handles
Date1662-1722
PeriodQing dynasty, reign of Kangxi
MediumPorcelain with overglaze enamels
DimensionsOVERALL: 20 7/8 × 7 1/16 × 7 1/2 in. (53 × 18 × 19 cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ira and Nancy Koger, 2001
Object numberSN11122.247
Both the costly technique and sumptuous polychrome decorations of wucai porcelains reflect the tastes of the Qing emperors and royal families. The introduction of a new technology from Europe of mixing white with various colorful enamels allowed the artists to achieve a high degree of realism on its surface as if it were a painting. In this outstanding example, a popular Chinese motif, "Flowers of the Four Seasons," is represented by four flowers: peony, prunus, lotus, and hydrangea, on each of four sides. These symbolic flowers are augmented with conventional rocks, flying birds and archaic dragons, the latter serving as handles. The potters under the great supports of the Qing emperor Kangxi (r. 1662-1722), a great patron and admirer of art, mastered the potting technique of jointing four sides and the bottom structure. Kangxi porcelains were admired both in the court and outside of China, where they were avidly collected for their high degree of technical perfection.
On View
On viewLocation
- Center for Asian Art, 2nd floor, Galleria
1662-1722
1662-1722
mid 16th century
1662–1722
1522-1566
1662-1722
last quarter 19th Century