Chrysanthemum Dish
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng reign mark and period (1723–35)
Medium
Glazed porcelain
Dimensions
3.7 × 17.6 cm (1 7/16 × 6 15/16 in.); Diam.: 17.6 cm (6 15/16 in.)
Classification
dish (vessel)
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
33089
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This delicate **Chrysanthemum Dish crafted during the Qing dynasty's Yongzheng reign1723–35), the pinnacle of imperial Chinese porcelain artistry. Bearing the Yongzheng reign mark, this glazed porcelain vessel measures just 3.7 × 17.6 cm, with a diameter of 176 cm, making it a refined tableware piece likely used in elite banquets or scholarly gatherings. Produced at the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen, it reflects the era's obsession with perfection—porcelains were fired multiple times for flawless translucency and vibrant glazes. The dish's namesake chrysanthemum motifs, a hallmark of Chinese decorative arts, carry deep cultural symbolism. In imperial China, chrysanthemums represented longevity, rejuvenation, and the scholarly elite, often adorning wares for the emperor's court. Yongzheng porcelain advanced techniques like overglaze enameling and meticulous painting, achieving jewel-like colors and intricate detailing that set standards for export wares reaching Europe via the Silk Road. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this anonymous masterpiece invites visitors to appreciate the Qing dynasty's blend of technical innovation and poetic elegance, bridging everyday utility with timeless beauty.
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...