
Collection Online as of June 5, 2023
Porcelain with monochrome yellow glaze
Overall: 8 x 18.9 cm (3 1/8 x 7 7/16 in.)
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift 2020.180
not on view
Monochrome yellow–glazed porcelain appears first during the Ming dynasty and is the combined result of technological advancement, the requirements of state rituals, and aspirations of taste. The base bears a mark of the Zhengde (正德) reign period, renowned for its high-quality imperial porcelain, and a pleasure-seeking emperor who died in his youth. Imperial marks were permitted to be applied only by Jingdezhen workshops affiliated with the court. Most scholars believe that yellow monochrome ware was reserved for the use of the imperial household or served as diplomatic gifts. The color is therefore often called “imperial yellow.”