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About this work
According to the theory of the five elements - fire, earth, water, metal and wood - yellow signifies earth and is considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious colours. Closely associated with the emperor since the Qin Dynasty (221 - 207 BCE), yellow was used to decorate royal palaces and temples, and became the colour used for imperial clothing. From the Ming dynasty onwards, emperors favoured yellow porcelain ware for its vivid beauty and the imperial power it represented.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, south-east China, China
Accession Number
3620.a-b-D3
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
Overall ovoid form, tripod body and tripod cover/bowl; body modelled with tortoise shell pattern with key-fret and scrolling foliage bands at rim, two dragon head handles, 'good luck' rui form feet; cover/bowl modelled with scrolling foliage and swastika grid with key-fret and scrolling foliage bands at rim, 'good luck' rui form handles/feet. 'Imperial yellow' glaze.