Basin with Five-clawed Dragons

Currently not on view

Basin with Five-clawed Dragons

Early 1400s

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

During periods of the Ming dynasty, laws restricted the use of gold to only the imperial family. This basin—which has a matching ewer (Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950-118-1) similarly engraved with dragons and decorated with gems—was likely produced for the court. The unusual technique of insetting gems into gold suggests the influence of Tibetan metalwork.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Basin with Five-clawed Dragons

Date:

Early 1400s

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Gold alloy with chased (hammered with tools that manipulate metal without removing any from the surface) decoration; semiprecious stones

Dimensions:

2 13/16 x 10 3/16 inches (7.1 x 25.9 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Purchased with Museum funds, 1950

Accession Number:

1950-74-1

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Period: Xuande Period (1426-1435)

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Currently not on view