vessel
Jar with Dragon Handles
Late 600s–early 700s, Tang dynasty (618–907)
China
Porcelain
Gift of Dr. Michael Sze
2007.8897
Although function determines the shape of most vessels, artisans across Asia were open to adapting forms they saw in ceramics from other cultures. This white-glazed porcelain jar is a fine example of a kind of vessel mass-produced in northern China during the Tang dynasty. In particular, the exquisite white porcelains manufactured at the Xing and Ding kilns were not only highly regarded by the court and aristocracy, they were also valued export commodities to overseas markets. Increased contact and trade with the outside world also greatly impacted the style of Tang ceramics. For example, this kind of amphora-shaped jar is believed to imitate Persian and Central Asian metalwork, which has a long tradition of using animal-shaped handles. However, the dragon is a uniquely Chinese addition.
