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Dish

Maker Chinese

DateQing dynasty, Kangxi period, ca. 1680–90

GeographyChina, Asia

MediumPorcelain with imperial yellow glaze

Dimensionsoverall: 7 in. diameter (17.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Arthur J. Cohen (Nellie Zuckerman, Class of 1912)

Object number1975.102.14

Status

Not on view

RightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws

Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA

More Information

Object Label

Bright yellow glaze on a white porcelain body, known as imperial yellow, has been in use since the Ming dynasty. In China, colors correspond to elements and directions; yellow is the color of the earth, the center, and thus also the color of the emperor and imperial family. Plates such as the “dragon” dish in this case reinforce the imperial designation, as the dragon motif was reserved for the emperor.