Jar with dragons, Ming dynasty, Reign of the Jiajing emperor (1522-1566), China, Jiangxi province. Porcelain with incised decoration and blue glaze. H. 4 1/8 in x Diam. 4 1/2 in, H. 10.5 cm x Diam. 11.5 cm. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P2350. © 2016 Asian Art Museum Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture.

Incised with two five-clawed dragons alternating with pearls and clouds on the exterior, this vessel is glazed in plain white on the interior. A frieze of cloud patterns covers the shoulder and lotus panels surround the bottom, all covered with blue glaze. The incising is simple and shallow. The ridged band observable at the middle of the belly was caused by the joining together of the upper and lower parts. Traces of this inferior technique remain on many Ming wares and aid in key to their recognition. Gourd-shaped vases, flasks, jars, basins, tripods, dishes, bowls, and teapots of the period were all decorated with blue glaze.