Dish. China, Jiangxi Province; Ming period (1368-1644), Hongzhi era, 1488 - 1505

Porcelain with overglaze yellow enamel (Jingdezhen ware). H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); D. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm). Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art. 1979.179

Dish. China, Jiangxi Province; Ming period (1368-1644), Zhengde era, 1506 - 1521

Porcelain with overglaze yellow enamel (Jiangdezhen ware). H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); D. 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm). Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art. 1979.180

The rounded forms and brilliant yellow glazes of two dishes from the Asia Society Collection, one dating to the Hongzhi era and the other to the Zhengde era (accession number 1979.180), rely on prototypes established in the early 15th century. Ceramics that are glazed with a single color appear to have been used primarily as ceremonial vessels. Yellow pieces like these two dishes are known to have been used to decorate the Altar of Earth (Diqitan), one of the four main altars used in imperial ceremonies and sacrifices. The porcelain body of the earlier Hongzhi-era dish is slightly thinner than the Zhengde piece and the color of the yellow glaze is more mustard-brown on the earlier piece and brighter on the later dish.