[Description]

This large jar is adorned with two massive dragons set amidst a background design that includes the typical Jiajing era stylized shou (longevity) character. e liberal use of cobalt renders the motifs in a rich, purple-overtoned, violet blue. is vivid coloration and the uid motif depiction are readily apparent beneath the smooth high-gloss glaze, all characteristics that reveal Jiajing imperial kiln quality.

Eight works of this jar type are reported to have been excavated in the past from the Jiajing emperor's Mausoleum. Given the slight amount of dirt patina adhering to this work, this jar can be surmised to be one of these eight excavated examples. e six-character Jiajing mark is written in horizontal array in a blank space in the design near the mouth neck.