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Vessel in the shape of an ancient bronze vessel
Vessel in the shape of an ancient bronze vessel

Vessel in the shape of an ancient bronze vessel

Place of OriginJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China; Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province
Date1736-1795
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911), Reign of the Qianlong emperor (1736-1795)
MaterialsPorcelain with underglaze blue decoration
DimensionsH. 8 3/4 in x W. 6 in x D. 9 5/8 in, H. 22.2 cm x W. 15.2 cm x D. 24.5 cm
Credit LineGift of Roy Leventritt
Object numberB69P171L.a-.b
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
On view
Location
  • Gallery Location   Loggia 1
MarkingsQianlong mark and six-character mark in three columns
Text Entries

Underglaze Cobalt Blue Decoration

The technique of underglaze painting is a third-century innovation originating from Zhejiang province in southeastern China. To apply the underglaze design, the artist paints directly on the clay body before firing and glazing. This process produces a nontoxic decoration that does not fade.

The famed Chinese blue-and-white porcelain involves painting cobalt blue pigments as underglaze decoration over a white clay body and applying a clear glaze on top. The cobalt turns blue upon firing. The use of cobalt reflected the influence of the Islamic world, as cobalt ores were imported from Persia during the Tang dynasty (618–907).