Bowl

Early 15th century (probably Yongle era, 1403-1424)

China, Jiangxi Province

Porcelain with incised and impressed design under glaze (Jingdezhen ware)

H. 4 x Diam. 8 1/4 in. (10.2 x 21 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.159

Recent excavations of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen have determined that porcelain covered with a warm white glaze were among the most popular ceramics produced during the Yongle emperor's reign (1403 - 1424), the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. Both the interior and exterior of this white porcelain bowl probably made during the Yongle era are decorated with incised motifs: plantain leaves and chrysanthemum flowers are incised on the interior, while a chrysanthemum spray and a geometric keyfret design decorate the exterior. The bowl is thinly potted and has a lower foot rim and straighter sides than some bowls produced during the reign of the next emperor, Xuande (reigned 1426 - 1435).