明早期 景德鎮窯白釉暗花僧帽壺|Monk’s cap ewer

Unknown

early 15th century · Porcelain with incised hidden (anhua) decoration under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware) · Asian Art

The form of this ewer comes from Tibetan metalwork; because the top reminded Chinese patrons of the hats worn by Tibetan monks, it was given the name “monk’s cap ewer” (sengmaohu). It is a tea container intended for use in Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Probably a gift for a prominent Tibetan cleric, this example is made of the exceptionally pure white porcelain of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Finely incised floral scrolls fill the upper register while auspicious Tibetan phrases wrap around the vessel’s waist.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 15th century

Medium

Porcelain with incised hidden (anhua) decoration under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Stanley Herzman, in memory of Adele Herzman, 1991