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Meiping Vase with carved Dragon Motif

1300s
(1279–1368)
Porcelain with pale bluish-white (qingbai; 青白) glaze and carved decoration
Overall: 27.6 x 16.5 cm (10 7/8 x 6 1/2 in.)
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift 2020.189
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

In Chinese mythology, the dragon is believed to transport human souls to the heavens after death.

Description

A fierce coiling dragon chasing a pearl amid mist and clouds—a symbol of fertility and power—decorates this sturdy vase. Its shoulder is incised with a band of lotus flowers and the base features a border of lotus petals. Meiping, literally prunus vase, derives its name from being used to display a single floral spray, traditionally a branch of blossoming plum (or prunus), apricot, or cherry.
Meiping Vase with carved Dragon Motif

Meiping Vase with carved Dragon Motif

1300s

South China, Yuan dynasty (1279–1368)

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