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CHINESE OBJECTS FROM THE COLLECTION
Chinese Bronzes of the Shang and Zhou Periods
Han Dynasty Bronzes
Early Chinese Ceramics
Sculpture from Tombs
Chinese Buddhist Sculpture
Tang and Liao Dynasty Metalwork
Ceramics of the Song and Jin Periods
Porcelains of the Yuan and Early Ming Periods
Imperial Chinese Ceramics of the 15th Century
Ceramics of the Late Ming Period
Qing Dynasty Porcelain
Landscape Painting in China
Jade and Lacquer in China
Ceramics of the Late Ming Period

A change from delicate shapes and elegant designs to larger, bolder forms and new decorative motifs distinguishes Chinese ceramics produced from the late 15th through the mid-17th century. This reflects both the lessening of imperial control during this time and the development of new domestic and foreign markets that was a response to this loss of imperial patronage. Imperial ceramics were produced during the reigns of the Hongzhi (1488-1505), Zhengde (1506-1521), Jiajing (1522-1566), Longquing (1567-1572), and Wanli (1573-1620) emperors. By the end of the reign of the Wanli emperor, however, the production of imperial ceramics was officially halted, largely because money had to be raised to cover the expense of resisting the Manchu armies, who would eventually conquer all of China. Imperial patronage did not resume again until 1683, when China was under the rule of the Manchu Qing dynasty.
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Jar

Dish

Dish

Dish

Covered Jar

Plate

Plate

Vase

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