Jingdezhen kilns
Large Jar Decorated with Dragons
Mid-16th century
Physical Qualities
Porcelain with underglaze cobalt decoration, Overall: 21 × 19 1/4 Diam in . (53.3 × 48.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Purchase with exchange funds from The Mary Frick Jacobs Collection
Object Number
1993.22
In imperial China, the dragon represented the Chinese Emperor, imperial authority,
and continuation of dynastic rule. In Chinese mythology, dragons inhabit lakes,
rivers, mountains, and the sky. They are hybrid animals, constructed from the parts of many different creatures. Here, the deer’s antlers represent authority and strength, the carp’s scales provide protection, and eagle’s claws convey power.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1993; Andrew Kahane, Ltd., New York
Frances Klapthor, "The Way of Nature: Art from Japan, China, and Korea," Baltimore Museum of Art, September 21, 2025-March 1, 2026
Inscribed: 6 character reign mark, in underglaze cobalt, on the neck: Da Ming Jia Jing Nian Zhi
