Saucer

Late 14th century

China, Jiangxi Province

Porcelain painted with underglaze copper red (Jingdezhen ware)

H. 1 x Diam. 7 3/4 in. (2.5 x 19.7 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.152

This saucer is decorated in underglaze copper-red pigment, which fired to a dull gray, evidencing the difficulties in working with this color. Saucers such as this one were often used to hold tripod vessels made of bronze or ceramic, and it is possible that this lobed saucer, decorated with scrolling flowers, once served as a cup stand on an altar or family shrine.