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Vase with Dragonfish Handles

12th–13th century
Not on view
Vases of this type were especially popular in Japan, where they were sometimes used in the tea ceremony. The vase’s form, known as a mallet shape, can be traced to glass vessels produced in Syria in the ninth and tenth century and was most likely introduced to China at around that time. The fanciful handles are a Chinese addition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 龍泉窯雙耳瓶
  • Title: Vase with Dragonfish Handles
  • Period: Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279)
  • Date: 12th–13th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Porcelain with relief decoration under celadon glaze (Longquan ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Stillman Harkness, 1950
  • Object Number: 50.145.301
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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