Artwork preview

Vase with coiling dragon

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The vase has a wide mouth with a flared rim. The body of the vase is divided into two main parts: a bulbous lower section and a narrower upper section. The lower section is rounded and sits on a short, circular base. The upper section is narrower, tapering to the flared mouth. A dragon is sculpted in relief, coiling around the vase in a curved, three-dimensional form. The dragon's body winds around the upper and lower sections of the vase. The dragon's head is turned to one side, positioned near the top of the vase. The surface of the vase shows signs of aging, with visible patina and darker spots. The background behind the vase is plain and light-colored.

Artwork details

Date:
16th century
Medium:
Stoneware with relief decoration and polychrome enamels
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
313 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette