Non-Western: Ming Dynasty

Jar, Ming Dynasty, Xuande mark and period (1426-1435) China

The kilns of the Jinagxi Province and Jingdezhen were exceptionally important during the Ming dynasty and much of the pottery of this time period we are familiar with today was produced in these areas. Pottery of this era is particularly fascinating because it represents the fusion of traditional technique with influence from the western regions of Asia. As trade increased between China and the western areas of the continent this relationship became more evident in artistic representation. The use of blue and white colors on pottery is a demonstration of increased contact and influence from the Islamic regions of western Asia. At the same time the brushstrokes and subject matter of Jar remain traditional; including the name of the emperor (a trademark of the time).

I’m fond of this particular piece of Ming Pottery for several reasons. The dragon depicted on the jar is fluid and elegant, and at the same time a very strong and powerful figure. The detail depicted in Jar is amazing and expresses a need for extreme refinement on the part of the artist. Additionally, I’m fascinated by the influence other cultures had on Ming art works and the other cultures in general. This is a great example of our interconnectedness.

References:

https://classes.uaf.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_60839_1%26url%3d

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