Jar with dragons

Incised with two five-clawed dragons alternating with pearls and clouds on the exterior, this vessel is glazed in plain white on the interior. A frieze of cloud patterns covers the shoulder and lotus panels surround the bottom, all covered with blue glaze. The incising is simple and shallow. The ridged band observable at the middle of the belly was caused by the joining together of the upper and lower parts. Traces of this inferior technique remain on many Ming wares and aid in key to their recognition. Gourd-shaped vases, flasks, jars, basins, tripods, dishes, bowls, and teapots of the period were all decorated with blue glaze.