Jiajing and Wanli imperial wares have been treasured in Japan since before the Edo period. Until around 1970 they were considered premier Chinese ceramic types, and indeed, often more highly valued than Yongle and Xuande imperial wares.

Today Chinese buyers dominate the international market for Chinese ceramics and they prize imperial wares from the first half of the Ming dynasty over those from the late Ming dynasty. Yet recent high prices for Jiajing and Wanli imperial wares at international auctions indicate that the market is maturing and a reevaluation of these later wares is taking place.

For this exhibition we have selected highly regarded works that represent the history of how Jiajing and Wanli imperial wares were received in Japan over the centuries. We hope that you will enjoy this opportunity to personally encounter the beauty of Jiajing and Wanli.

Mayuyama & Co., Ltd.
2016 September