백자 청화 용 무늬 항아리 조선 |白磁靑畫龍文壺 朝鮮|Dragon jar

Unknown

second half 18th century · Porcelain with underglaze cobalt-blue design · Asian Art

Porcelain jars painted with cobalt-blue dragons were popular from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century. Many were used as flower vases in official court ceremonies. Originally associated with water, dragons were also imperial emblems throughout East Asia. The two four-clawed dragons chasing flaming jewels on this piece embody the dynamic strength of the mythical beast. At the same time, dragons are seen as auspicious, welcoming creatures; the pair seen here, with their amusing faces, reflects the notion that they are not always to be feared.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 18th century

Medium

Porcelain with underglaze cobalt-blue design

Culture

Korea

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, 2009 Benefit Fund, 2010