<em>Box in the Form of a Precious Metal Ingot</em>, 1573–1619. Porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze decoration, 3 9/16 × 5 1/4 × 8 5/8 in. (9 × 13.3 × 21.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, The William E. Hutchins Collection, Bequest of Augustus S. Hutchins, 52.49.17a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 52.49.17a-b_side_bw.jpg)

Box in the Form of a Precious Metal Ingot

Medium: Porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze decoration

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:1573–1619

Dimensions: 3 9/16 × 5 1/4 × 8 5/8 in. (9 × 13.3 × 21.9 cm) a-base: 2 1/2 × 5 1/4 in. (6.3 × 13.3 cm)

Collections:

Museum Location: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 52.49.17a-b

Image: 52.49.17a-b_side_bw.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Seed mouth; shallow body that slightly tapers; circular foot; attached cover. In shape of ingot. Cobalt-blue decoration: 4 walking dragons on box and cover. Double dragons grasping the flaming pearl on cover. 5-clawed dragon was the emperor's symbol and was used in the palace. 6-character reign mark on base: "Made during the Wanli reign of the Great Ming". The seed mouths and base of foot are unglazed. Vessel's and cover's interior and exterior are covered with a clear glaze. Because of the low amount of iron in glaze and reducing atmosphere, glaze has a blue-green color. Daily used ware. Condition: Basically intact. Chips on seed mouth.

Brooklyn Museum