Jar with dragons amid clouds, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Reign of the Jiajing emperor (1522-1566),  China, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. Porcelain with overglaze multicolor decoration. H. 5 1/2 in x Diam. 5 1/4 in, H. 14 cm x Diam. 13.3 cm. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P1523. © 2016 Asian Art Museum Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture

This use of color, called "red over yellow" in which red pigment was applied over a yellow glaze, emerged in the Xuande era, and flourished during the Jiajing period. The yellow decoration on this type was emphasized by the red background. Sometimes incised or brown outlines were added. On this piece the red color beneath the shiny yellow makes the geranium red color stand out. The five-clawed dragon, leaping amid clouds and above rocks and choppy waves, was left in yellow and highlighted with red outlines and washes. The interior of the jar was glazed in white. Reproductions of this type made during the early twentieth century could not attain the genuine colors of the original wares.