Untitled

Unknown

late 17th–early 18th century · Porcelain painted with colored enamels over transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware) · Asian Art

Held on the fifth day of the fifth month, the Dragon Boat festival is celebrated with eating rice dumplings, drinking wine, and—as can be seen in the painting on this vase—racing dragon boats. This festival is said to commemorate the death of the poet Qu Yuan (ca. 340–278 B.C.) who, on the day in question, committed suicide in his despair over a political situation.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th–early 18th century

Medium

Porcelain painted with colored enamels over transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913