Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”

China

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 207

The dramatic scene on this porcelain cup depicts an exciting episode in the popular folktale the “Legend of the White Snake.” Incarnated as a woman warrior, the White Snake stands on the front of a boat and wields two swords, fighting against the cold-hearted abbot who abducted her husband and kept him in his monastery. Numerous deities from the sea, including the spirits of clams, crabs, fish, shrimp, and turtles, join her heroic endeavor.

Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Side 1 of 4

Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Cup with narrative scene from the “Legend of the White Snake”, Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.