Jar with dragon and stylized character for longevity (shou)

16th century

Not on view

The Ming emperor Jiajing was known for his fervent interest in Daoism, in which longevity is a cherished goal. This magnificent jar, fired in the imperial workshop, marries the imperial aesthetic with Jiajing’s Daoist sensibility. The stylized character for longevity (shou) is chased by two five-clawed dragons, symbols of imperial power.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

明嘉靖景德鎮窯青花雙龍趕壽罐
Title: Jar with dragon and stylized character for longevity (shou)
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jiajing period (1522–66)
Date: 16th century
Culture: China
Medium: Porcelain painted in underglaze blue
Dimensions: H. 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm); Diam. 20 in. (50.8 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Gift of Elizabeth Milbank Anderson, 1920
Object Number: 20.144
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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