Vase with Emperor Yangdi’s dragon boat tour
The vibrant colors and lively painting here demonstrate the sophistication of Kangxi-period enameled porcelains. The image that wraps around the massive vase depicts the Sui Emperor Yangdi (reigned 604–618) visiting southern China in a notoriously opulent fashion. Thousands of his consorts arrive on dragon boat via the Grand Canal, a series of interconnected waterways connecting the capital Luoyang to the south. Legendary scenes such as this example were popular motifs on porcelain and served as moral admonitions.
Artwork Details
- 清康熙 景德鎮窯五彩隋煬帝龍舟南巡圖瓶
- Title: Vase with Emperor Yangdi’s dragon boat tour
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722)
- Date: late 17th–early 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Porcelain painted with overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware)
- Dimensions: H. 29 in. (73.7 cm); Dima. 9 1/2 in.(24.1 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913
- Object Number: 14.40.83
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Chinese
1368–1644
China
late 17th–early 18th century
China
second half 15th century
Chinese
late 16th–early 17th century
China
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