元 景德鎮窯青花蕉石花果紋大盤|Foliated plate with rocks, plants, and melons
Unknown Artist
14th century
Medium
Porcelain painted with cobalt blue under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware)
Dimensions
H. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); Diam. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
China · Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Stanley Herzman, in memory of Adele Herzman, 1991
Accession Number
1991.253.35
Art Historical Context
This stunning Yuan dynasty foliated plate, crafted in the 14th century at Jingdezhenns, exemplifies the dawn of China's iconic blue-and-white porcelain tradition. Measuring a generous 16 inches in diameter, its scalloped edges and underglaze cobalt blue decorations feature rocks, leafy plants, flowers, and melons—a harmonious composition evoking nature's abundance. Produced during the Mongol-led Yuan period (1271–1368), such large platters were likely used for serving lavish banquets, reflecting the era's cosmopolitan tastes influenced by Silk Road exchanges. The artistry lies in the innovati...