China

Room 4

CHINESE CERAMICS - MING PORCELAIN FROM THE JINGDEZHEN KILNS 中囯明代瓷器-景德鎮窯

Case 21

Ming dynasty ware made for the Japanese market 明代日式瓷器

Porcelain from the Jingdezhen kilns 景德鎮窯, Jiangxi Province 江西省, Ming dynasty 明代 (1368-1644).

The Japanese have always been great admirers of Chinese ceramics, and at the end of the Ming dynasty, this flourishing market prompted the introduction of pieces specifically designed in shape and decoration to appeal to Japanese taste.

  1. Dish with fisherman painted in underglaze blue and red 青花釉裏紅漁人紋盤

    Ming dynasty, second quarter of 17th c.

    CB-CC-1944-229

  2. Bowl painted in underglaze blue and red 青花釉裏紅壽字形桃樹紋碗

    Ming dynasty, middle of 17th c.

    CB-CC-1949-230

    Inside is a peach tree contorted into the character shou 壽, “longevity”. On the outside, four galloping sea-horses, or haima 海馬, the emblem of the literati, are depicted on a ground of stylized waves.

  3. Cup painted in underglaze blue and red 青花釉裏紅茶杯

    Ming dynasty, first half of 17th c.

    CB-CC-1934-231

  4. Blue-and-white dish with a hare painted in shonsui style 青花兔與吉祥紋盤

    Ming dynasty, first half of 17th c.

    CB-CC-1932-228

    This type of shonsui 祥瑞 ware (xiangrui, in Chinese), meaning “auspicious”, were specifically made for the Japanese market.

  5. Dish painted in enamel colours 彩色鷺紋六角盤

    Ming dynasty, circa 1620-1640

    CB-CC-1933-237

    In the centre, a heron stands among lotuses and other water plants.

  6. Bucket-shaped vessel painted in enamels 彩色鷺紋桶形瓶

    Ming dynasty, second quarter of 17th c.

    CB-CC-1934-235

    Herons are depicted on both sides among lotus plants, symbolising social advancement.

  7. Dish with dragon design painted in enamel colours 龍與牡丹紋盤

    Ming dynasty, circa 1620-1640

    CB-CC-1938-236