David Vases
by Ancient Chinese (Unknown), 1351
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1351
- Medium
- Blue and white porcelain
- Size
- 63.5 cm (25 in) tall each
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The David Vases are a pair of blue and white porcelain temple vases from Yuan dynasty China, dated precisely to 1351 CE. An inscription dedicates them to a Taoist temple and gives the exact date, making them the key reference point for dating all early blue and white Chinese ceramics.
Standing 63.5 cm tall, each vase features dragons, phoenixes, and floral scrolls in cobalt blue under a clear glaze. Before Sir Percival David acquired these vases, scholars thought blue and white porcelain was a Ming dynasty innovation. The inscribed date proved the technique existed under Mongol rule. The British Museum now displays them as part of the Percival David Collection, the finest assembly of Chinese ceramics outside Asia.
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About David Vases
The vases carry an inscription dating them to 1351 CE. This proved blue and white porcelain existed during the Yuan dynasty, earlier than scholars previously believed. They're the reference point for dating similar ceramics.
The vases were made at Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, for dedication to a Taoist temple. The patron's name and the exact date are inscribed on the necks.
Sir Percival David (1892-1964) assembled the finest collection of Chinese ceramics outside Asia. His 1,700 pieces, including the David Vases, are now displayed at the British Museum.
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