This festive wine jar exemplifies the most advanced techniques of Ming dynasty porcelain.
Lidded jar with design of a lotus pond
China; Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province
Ming dynasty, reign of the Jiajing emperor (1522–1566)
Porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze multicolor decoration
The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P78+
This festive wine jar made for the Emperor Jiajing (1522–1566) overflows with auspicious aquatic symbols. The vessel is considered one of the museum’s masterpieces because it exemplifies the most advanced porcelain techniques achieved at the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Its large scale and lavish depictions of complex subjects demonstrate innovative methods in working with porcelain. Its brilliant colors bucked the trend for more subdued decor that held sway during previous dynasties. Although made in multiples, today only a few dozen jars of this type are known.
