jar BM-1975-1028.23

Period:Ming dynasty Production date:1549 (dated)
Materials:porcelain
Technique:glazed, underglazed,
Subjects:bird phoenix dragon
Dimensions:Diameter: 330 millimetres Height: 365 millimetres

Description:
Large porcelain water jar with underglaze blue decoration, dedicatory inscription and a metal-bound rim. This large ovoid water jar has a short neck with an out-turned mouth, much restored and bound with metal. Its base is unglazed and is recessed within a broad foot ring. Outside its decoration is outlined in underglaze blue and filled in with a pale blue wash. The designs are divided into horizontal registers. In the main section is a ‘kaishu’ inscription of 263 characters written in twenty horizontal lines, read from right to left and top to bottom. It is set in a square frame with a flame border and with a lotus leaf at the top. Filling in the remaining space are four ‘feiyu’ [winged dragons] with fish tails, flying in different attitudes, each displaying minor variations, above stylized waves among ‘ruyi’ clouds. Around the shoulder four phoenix are shown similarly flying among ‘ruyi’ clouds. A large key-fret border ornaments the neck and lappet design around the foot.
IMG


Comments:Harrison-Hall 2001:Wu Yun is in the district of Wan’an, which is within the prefecture of Ji’an, five miles south to south-west of Ji’an in Jiangxi province. Thus it is within easy reach of Jingdezhen where the vessel was commissioned and made.This inscription reveals one man’s desperation to have a son and heir. Presenting ceramic water containers to Buddhist monasteries inscribed with names, dates and prayers appears to have been common practice in the middle Ming era. A priest solicited the donation to support the temple and the donors were recorded in this way. Water containers, flower vases and incense burners are the most common shapes for such a donation. Water pots with dedicatory inscriptions dating to the Zhengde and Jiajing periods are often decorated with fish dragons.