Dish with an immortal on raft

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Tianqi mark and period (1621–27)

Not on view

The scene on this dish represents the diplomat and expeditioner Zhang Qian (164–113 B.C.), who led the Han imperial envoy to the Western Regions. Legend has it that when Zhang attempted to find the source of the Yellow River he sailed his raft into the Milky Way. The figure here confidently sits on a single log in a relaxed posture amid turbulent waves.

Artwork Details

明天啓景德鎮窯青花五彩仙人乘槎圖盤
Title: Dish with an immortal on raft
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Tianqi mark and period (1621–27)
Culture: China
Medium: Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze enamels (Jingdezhen ware), woonden lid
Dimensions: H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); Diam. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1924
Object Number: 24.170.7
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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