Jar

Early 15th century (probably Xuande era, 1426-1435)

China, Jiangxi Province

Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware)

H. 9 1/4 x Diam. 11 1/4 in. (23.5 x 28.6 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.168

The four peony sprays that form the primary decoration of this wide-mouthed jar are typical of the designs of blue-and-white and other Xuande-era (1426 - 1435) ware produced both for imperial and non-imperial use. The difference is in the quality of the painting. In general, the outlines of the motifs on non-imperial pieces, such as this one, are not as carefully delineated and the brush strokes are less deliberate, giving the motifs a more blurred appearance than is found on court ceramics.