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Plate with dragons
Plate with dragons

Plate with dragons

Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644), Reign of the Zhengde emperor (1506-1521)
MaterialsPorcelain with incised decoration under single color enamel
DimensionsH. 1 7/8 in x Diam. 9 in, H. 4.8 cm x Diam. 22.9 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P2091
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
MarkingsZhengde mark of the period. The six-character mark at the base reads: "Produced during the Zhengde reign of the great Ming."
More Information
This type of green-over-white decoration was originally produced in the Chenghua era and lasted for a long period. It was used for formal wares for the palace tables. Most of these works are dishes and bowls, with occasional jars. On this piece, the five-clawed dragon curling among cloud heads is colored in green enamel over incised lines, which appears to emphasize the scales of the dragon. The theme, set over a background of hidden waves, is repeated on the inner bottom and outside. The thin claws and the tassel on the dragon are characteristic of middle Ming dynasty ceramics.