Bottle
Unknown Artist
Medium
Porcelain
Dimensions
H. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mary Clark Thompson, 1923
Accession Number
24.80.555
Art Historical Context
This elegant porcelain bottle hails from China's Qing dynasty during the Kangxi period (2–1722), a golden era of artistic refinement under Emperor Kangxi. Standing at 15½ inches (39.4 cm) tall, it exemplifies the masterful ceramics produced at Jingdezhen, the imperial porcelain capital, where potters achieved unprecedented technical precision in form and firing. Though the artist remains unknown, such vessels were crafted for both practical use—like storing wine or oils—and as symbols of luxury for elite households or export. Porcelain from this time is celebrated for its translucent white bo...