Ritual and Religious Objects
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Saucer China, Jiangxi Province Ming period (1368�1644), late 14th century Porcelain painted with underglaze copper red (Jingdezhen ware) H. 1 in. (2.5 cm); Diam. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm) Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.152 |
This lobed saucer has a raised ring in its interior to stabilize the vessel, probably a tripod or stem cup, which would have been placed at its center. This indicates that the piece may have been used as a cup stand on an altar or family shine. Finely painted scroll patterns on the rim and sprays of chrysanthemums and other flowers in the center decorate the saucer. The copper red underglaze turned a dull grey during firing, indicating the difficulties in working with the notoriously challenging red glaze.
