Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 137, The Curtain Foundation Gallery

Jar and Lid

1550-1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Chinese blue and white ceramics were much sought after outside China and found ready markets throughout the world. Large jars of this type were commonly exported to Middle Eastern markets where they were often customised with locally made metal mounts and fittings. The lid of this jar was made in Iran, probably in the late 16th or early 17th century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Jar
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue
Brief description
Blue and white porcelain jar (with Persian chased brass lid), one of a pair, China (Jingdezhen), Ming dynasty, 1550-1600
Physical description
Porcelain, multi-lobed jar, painted in underglaze blue on the main body with stylised lotus flowers, with scroll work around neck and overlapping lotus petals around the base. Persian made cover of chased brass, depicting figures and geometric patterns.
Dimensions
  • Register height: 27.3cm
  • Register diameter: 21.6cm
Styles
Object history
Purchased from Robert Murdoch Smith, accessioned in 1876. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Bought in Persia (Iran).;;
Subject depicted
Summary
Chinese blue and white ceramics were much sought after outside China and found ready markets throughout the world. Large jars of this type were commonly exported to Middle Eastern markets where they were often customised with locally made metal mounts and fittings. The lid of this jar was made in Iran, probably in the late 16th or early 17th century.
Collection
Accession number
1568:1, 2-1876

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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