Vase with scene of Tang Emperor Minghuang visiting the Moon Palace

A blue-and-white porcelain gu-form beaker vase with a flared mouth and trumpet-shaped neck. Two robed figures stand before swirling clouds on the upper panel, while scrolling cloud and dragon motifs cover the lower body and foot.

Look closer: A small flowering sprig on the central bulbous band between the two painted panels.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-17th century

Medium

Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware)

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

2998 × 4000 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase by subscription, 1879