Jar with eight dragons
Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644), Reign of the Wanli emperor (1573-1620)
MaterialsPorcelain with underglaze blue decoration
DimensionsH. 5 in x Diam. 6 1/8 in, H. 12.7 cm x Diam. 15.6 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P1495
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on viewMarkingsWanli mark of the period. The six-character mark at the base reads: "Produced during the Wanli reign of the great Ming"
More InformationAside from the eight Buddhist symbols, more ordinary elements were also represented in groups of eight, symbolically connotating auspicious luck. A combination of dragons with those symbols was one of the imperial decorative styles of the period. On this piece, eight lobed divisions embrace eight five-clawed dragons in different poses amid curling clouds and flaming pearls. In eight panels on the shoulder were placed the ordinary Eight Auspicious Symbols. A band of lotus panels circles the base.
1723-1735
