Cleveland Museum of Art

Covered Jar

Date

1573–1620

Medium

porcelain with blue underglaze decoration and overglaze enamels in red, green, and yellow

Culture

China, Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen kilns, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Wanli reign (1573-1620)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

In the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in non-official positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This covered porcelain jar has blue underglaze and overglaze in red, green and blue enamels. It shows Ming dynasty advancements in porcelain decoration and the creative mind of the talented artisans who made it. This jar is painted with 16 figures of all ages enjoying a garden setting.

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