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
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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I like this piece as well. The colors are simple but pleasing and the design of the dragon is amazing. i like how you explained the culture and the influence of other cultures of this type of art. is this jar just for show or is it used for anything particular? great blog!
Great blog! It is interesting how art can tell you so much about a culture and their history. I was wondering what the importance of the dragon is to the Ming Dynasty, Chinese culture? I also was wondering why the usage of the colors blue and white indicates the influence of Islamic regions of Asia? You picked a great subject and I love the detailed work on the Jar.
This is an interesting blog for me. I am danish and there is a danish town in California that my dad grew up in called Solvang and everytime we go my mom buys pottery from there that looks similar to this, with the blue and white. So I always thought it was a European thing but reading this I realized it must have descended from the ming dynasty. I’m curious how much these sold or traded for? I like how you related the dragan to power, I would have to agree with you. Great blog!