Cleveland Museum of Art

Cup with Dragon and Clouds

Date

1522–66

Medium

porcelain with incised decoration and white glaze

Culture

China, Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen kilns, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Jiajing mark and reign (1522-66)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

In the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), 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 small white bell-shaped cup illustrates the advanced porcelain techniques and the creative mind of the talented artisan who sought clients on a competitive market. This cup is incised with a "secret" decoration of clouds and dragons.

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