Triple gourd shaped vase

Date18th century

MediumPorcelain with "imperial" yellow glaze

DimensionsHeight: 19 3/8 inches (49.2 cm)

CultureChina

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of Mr and Mrs James Stein

Terms

Ceramics
Vessels - Vases
Glaze
Porcelain
Porcelain with "imperial" yellow glaze
Clouds
Dragons
Gourds
Mythological creatures
Plant-derived motifs
Vessels - Vases
Chinese

Object number77.073

Label CopyFrom the time of the earliest emperor, yellow has been associated with the imperial family. Later, in the Ming period, yellow became the dominant color of objects and decorations used at the Altar of Earth, where the emperor performed his annual ceremonies dedicated to the patron god of agriculture. Eventually the term imperial yellow was coined by modern collectors to refer to the fine porcelains produced in the Qing Dynasty, especially during the reign of Kangsi (1662Ð1722), where the yellow has a rich egg-yolk-like tone. This very large vase in the striking form of a triple gourd does not bear a reign mark, but the presence of the lively five-clawed dragons in the decoration suggests that at one time it probably graced some part of the imperial quarters. The special brilliance of the yellow in this case was probably achieved by applying the yellow glaze (derived from antimony and lead oxide) over a previously glazed white porcelain body. (From “A Handbook of the Collection: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art," 1998)

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