Monk’s cap ewer

China

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 204

The form of this ewer comes from Tibetan metalwork; because the top reminded Chinese patrons of the hats worn by Tibetan monks, it was given the name “monk’s cap ewer” (sengmaohu). It is a tea container intended for use in Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Probably a gift for a prominent Tibetan cleric, this example is made of the exceptionally pure white porcelain of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Finely incised floral scrolls fill the upper register while auspicious Tibetan phrases wrap around the vessel’s waist.

Monk’s cap ewer, Porcelain with incised hidden (anhua) decoration under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware), China

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