Explore

Covered Jar

Jiajing era, 1522-1566

China, Jiangxi Province

Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze enamels (Jingdezhen ware)

H. 18 1/2 including cover x Diam. 15 3/4 in. (47 x 40 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.182a,b

Licensing inquiries

The bold treatment and lively movement of the fish and aquatic plants painted on this large covered jar typify a new aesthetic in early 16th-century ceramics inscribed with imperial reign marks, which in this case is the six-character mark of the Ming emperor Jiajing. Jars of this type are more heavily potted than other pieces that bear imperial marks, probably because of their relatively large size and because they are generally believed to have been used as outdoor decoration in gardens. The aquatic scene of goldfish swimming in their natural habitat can be understood as a symbol of harmony. This style of painting in which overglaze enamels and underglaze blue are combined is known as wucai or "five-color" decoration.