Jar with Plum Blossom and Cracked Ice Design (Blue-and-white ware)
DateKangxi Period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumporcelain with cobalt blue under clear lime-alkali glaze; pierced and carved ebony lid with nephrite medallion
Dimensions25.4 cm (10 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
Object number1916.4
DescriptionWide-mouthed pot with cover. Blue and white.Label TextThe design of this jar depicts white plum blossoms bursting forth on bare branches, silhouetted against layers of cracked ice rendered in overlapping shades of blue. The reserved white design in a blue ground is a type of underglaze blue decoration that was first used during the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368) and perfected during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The technique first requires drawing the outlines of the design and then covering the background with cobalt blue. After applying an overall coating of clear glaze, the vessel is fired at a high temperature. Popular during the Kangxi period (1662–1722), the plum-blossom design, which symbolizes rebirth and renewal at the end of winter, was often painted on covered jars produced to contain tea or preserved fruits. Such jars were given as presents at New Year and could also be used for ornamental display. From the mid-Kangxi period onwards potters also produced lower quality versions in great numbers. These lower quality jars with foodstuffs were exported to the West, where they became known as “ginger jars.”ProvenanceMorgan Porcelain Collection Duveen Brothers, New York
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 112
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 15th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Chinese
Yongzheng period (1723–1735) of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 16th century
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
16th or 17th century, late Ming (1368–1644) or early Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 11th century –early 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127)
Chinese
12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) or Jin dynasty (1115–1234)
