One of a Pair of Yellow and Iron-Red Dragon Bowls
Qing dynasty (1644–1912), Qianlong reign mark and period (1736–1795)
Medium
Porcelain painted in underglaze iron red and overglaze yellow enamel
Dimensions
Diam.: 5.8 cm ( in.); Diam.: 12 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Classification
bowl
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
21190
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This exquisite porcelain bowl, one of a matching pair from the Qianlong reign (1736–1795) of China's Qing dynasty, exemplifies the pinnacle of imperial ceramic artistry. Produced at the famed Jingdezhen kilns it measures 12 cm in diameter at the mouth and 5.8 cm at the base, making it a delicately scaled vessel likely intended for elite dining or tea rituals. The bowl's surface bursts with dynamic dragons rendered in vibrant iron-red underglaze and luminous yellow overglaze enamel, symbols of imperial power and good fortune. The dual firing techniques highlight technical mastery: underglaze iron red, applied before the transparent glaze and fired at high temperatures, ensures durability and rich depth, while overglaze yellow enamel, added post-firing and low-fired, delivers a glowing translucency prized in palace wares. Bearing a Qianlong reign mark, this bowl authenticates its origin in the emperor's workshops during a golden age of porcelain innovation, when such pieces were reserved for the court. In Chinese culture, dragons embodied the emperor's divine authority, making these bowls not just functional objects but emblems of prestige. Today, at the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, they invite us to marvel at Qing ingenuity and the timeless allure of imperial splendor.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...