Bowl with Dragons, Peony Scrolls, and Band of Lingzhi Mushrooms
Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jiajing reign mark and period (1522–1566)
Medium
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue with design in reserve
Dimensions
11.8 × 28.5 cm (4 5/8 × 11 1/4 in.); Diam.: 28.5 cm (11 1/4 in.)
Classification
bowl
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
21282
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This exquisite porcelain bowl, bearing a Jiajing reign mark from the Ming dynasty (1522–1566), the pinnacle of Chinese blue-and-white ware produced at Jingdezhen kilns. Measuring 28.5 cm in diameter its wide, shallow form was ideal for serving rice or fruit in elite households. The underglaze blue technique—obalt pigment applied beneath a transparent glaze and fired at high temperatures—created vibrant, enduring designs that resisted fading, making Ming porcelain a global luxury coveted by European collectors. The bowl's motifs pulse with imperial symbolism: dynamic dragons coil amid peony scrolls, evoking power and prosperity, while a band of lingzhi mushrooms at the base signifies longevity and immortality. These auspicious emblems reflect Jiajing emperor's era obsessions with Taoist immortality and cosmic harmony, blending naturalistic elegance with bold reserve designs—white motifs standing out against a blue-washed ground for dramatic contrast. As a masterpiece of Arts of Asia at the Art Institute of Chicago, this bowl highlights Ming innovation in porcelain artistry, influencing ceramics worldwide for centuries. Visitors, imagine it gracing a scholar's table, whispering tales of eternal fortune.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...