Dish with Openwork Dome and Floral Scrolls
Ming dynasty (1368–1664), 15th century
Medium
Longquan ware; celadon-glazed stoneware with underglaze incised decoration
Dimensions
5.8 × 23.3 cm (2 1/4 × 9 3/16 in.); Diam.: 23.3 cm (9 3/16 in.)
Classification
dish (vessel)
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
147025
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Dish with Openwork Dome and Floral* hails from China's Ming dynasty (1368–1644), specifically the 15th, a golden age for ceramic artistry. Crafted in Longquan ware—a renowned stoneware from Zhejiang province—it exemplifies the era's mastery of celadon glazes, which produce a serene, jade-like green hue prized by emperors and scholars alike. Measuring just 5.8 cm high and 23.3 cm in diameter, this shallow vessel features a delicately pierced openwork dome at its center, evoking lightness and elegance, surrounded by incised floral scrolls that dance across its surface. The underglaze incised technique is a highlight: artisans carved intricate floral motifs into the unfired clay before applying the translucent celadon glaze, firing it at high temperatures to create subtle textures and depth. This method not only ensured durability but also allowed the glaze to pool beautifully in the incisions, enhancing the organic flow of the designs. Floral scrolls symbolized abundance and harmony in Chinese culture, making such dishes ideal for elite dining, tea rituals, or as luxurious gifts. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this piece invites visitors to appreciate Ming innovation—where form met function in breathtaking subtlety, bridging everyday use with imperial splendor.
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...