BEIJING - The reigns of the Hongzhi Emperor (r. 1488-1505) and the Zhengde Emperor (1506-1521) are the watershed of the Ming-dynasty's social and cultural changes at the turn of the sixteenth century. The stifling conservativeness gave way to dynamic...

A parcel-gilt bronze figure of a seated luohan, Ming Dynasty, Hongzhi Period, dated in accordance with 1496. Photo Sotheby's. sturdily cast with his legs crossed, the contemplative face with a furrowed brow below a raised urna, gently pursing his lips...

Plate decorated with yellow glaze. Porcelain, Jingdezhen ware. Height x diameter: 4.1 x 17.8 cm (1 5/8 x 7 in.). Da Ming Hongzhi nian zhi inside double circle frame in underglaze blue mark. China, Ming dynasty, Hongzhi period, 1488–1505. Gift of Paul...