Imperial Treasures: Chinese Ceramics of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection | Asia Society

Imperial Treasures: Chinese Ceramics of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection

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Known for exquisite porcelain production and expansive trade, the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) represents a period of Chinese imperial rule between the fall of the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) and the rise of the Manchu Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The 25 works selected for this exhibition demonstrate how early Ming ceramics inherited the rich and culturally diverse legacy of the Mongol rulers by adopting foreign influences through vibrant trade with the Islamic and Central Asian worlds and combining them with indigenous Chinese traditions.

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A blue and white porcelain round dish featuring a deer surrounded by delicate floral designs in two concentric circles.

Platter. Yuan period, mid-14th century. China, Jiangxi Province. Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware). H. 3 in. x Diam. 18 3/8 in. (7.6 x 46.7 cm). Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.151. 

 

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Dish. Ming period, mid- to late-15th century (probably Chenghua era 1465 - 1487). China, Jiangxi Province. Porcelain with copper-red glaze (Jingdezhen ware). H. 1 3/8 x Diam. 6 1/2 in. (3.5 x 16.5 cm). Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art 1979.177.

 

Introduction
Deep red and cobalt blue bowl-shaped cup atop a cylindrical base decorated with stylized white waves on a red background with blue mythcial four-legged creatures.

Ewer. China, Jiangxi Province. Ming dynasty, early 15th century (probably Yongle era, 1403–1424). Porcelain with incised design  under glaze. Asia Society, New York:  Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.155 

The Yuan dynasty, despite its short duration, was an extremely vital period for the arts with reinvigorated international trade expanding the export of blue-and-white porcelain through overland as well as maritime trade routes. Ceramics combined the large shape preferred by foreign markets with auspicious Chinese motifs, such as the mythical qilin (a unicorn-like creature), bamboo, and peonies. Painted with imported cobalt oxide primarily from Iran, blue-and-white porcelain was produced at the Jingdezhen kilns, an important center of porcelain manufacturing in Jiangxi Province.  

The Ming dynasty's almost three-hundred-year span witnessed even greater economic and cultural expansion in tandem with a vibrant maritime trade. In the early Ming, blue-and-white porcelain continued to draw inspiration in shapes from the Islamic world, with the emperor presenting ceramics as gifts to the court and foreign dignitaries. In addition, Ming imperial taste introduced new vibrant monochromes highlighted in the luscious yellow and red glazes on the porcelain dishes in the Rockefeller collection, red being the banner color of the Ming royal family.  

The exhibition is organized by Susan L. Beningson, PhD, Curatorial Consultant, Pre-Modern Asian Art, Asia Society Museum.  

 

Sponsors

The exhibition is made possible in part by the Arthur Ross Foundation, Sheryl and Charles R. Kaye Endowment for Contemporary Art Exhibitions, The Hazen Polsky Foundation, and The Mary Griggs Burke Fund established by a gift from The Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation.