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Bottle

Early 15th century (probably Yongle era, 1403-1424)

China, Jiangxi Province

Porcelain with incised design under glaze (Jingdezhen ware)

H. 12 1/2 x W,. 8 1/2 x D. 6 in. (31.8 x 21.8 x 15 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.156

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The worldwide export of ceramics that marked the Yuan dynasty (1278 - 1367) was temporarily slowed by the warfare that led to the establishment of the Ming dynasty. The official reopening of trade during the Yongle period (1403 - 1424) had an impact on the form and decoration of ceramics produced during the first half of the 15th century. The flattened gourd shape of this bottle, for example, ultimately derives from metalwork and ceramic flasks of Iranian, Syrian, or Turkish origins. The ends of the handles are formed into curvilinear shapes called ruyi after the name of a Chinese scepter. The stylized lotus medallion lightly incised in the center of the bottle is often found as decoration on early 15th-century ceramics. Unlike the more naturalistic Chinese designs, this geometric treatment also reflects renewed interest in the Middle East.