The David Vases

Summary

In 1351, two vases and an incense burner were dedicated to a Daoist temple in China, inscribed with the donor's name, date, and purpose. These vases, now known as the David Vases, are housed in the British Museum and exemplify blue and white porcelain, a product of the Mongol Empire's global interactions. The vases, featuring a dragon motif and floral designs, were made from Iranian cobalt and Chinese clay, fired at high temperatures for a lustrous finish. Despite their age, they are in remarkably good condition, providing insight into the Yuan Dynasty's porcelain craftsmanship.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ On May 13th, 1351, two vases and an incense burner were dedicated to a Daoist temple in China, inscribed with the donor's name, date, and purpose.
• 🏺 The vases are now known as the David Vases, named after Sir Percival David, who collected them and reunited the pair.
• 🎨 The vases are examples of blue and white porcelain, a type of ceramic known for its lustrous finish and made from pure clay.
• 🌐 The term 'porcelain' originates from the Venetian explorer Marco Polo, who likened its appearance to the inside of a seashell, similar to the Italian word for cowry shell.
• 🌍 The vases were created during a time when China was part of the Mongol Empire, which stretched from China to Eastern Europe, indicating a global influence on their design.
• 🖌️ The blue color on the porcelain comes from cobalt, a mineral sourced from present-day Iran, highlighting the international trade and cultural exchange of the period.
• 🔥 The porcelain was fired at high temperatures, giving it a glass-like quality that distinguishes it from other ceramics.
• 🐉 The vases feature motifs typical of Chinese ceramics, including dragons, phoenixes, and floral patterns, symbolizing power and prosperity.
• 🔍 The vases help to date the origin of blue and white porcelain to the Yuan Dynasty, earlier than the Ming dynasty, challenging common perceptions of its history.
• 🐘 The handles of the vases are designed as elephants, possibly inspired by bronze ware, with break marks indicating the original presence of rings hanging from the trunks.

Q & A

What items were dedicated to a Daoist temple in China on May 13th, 1351?

Two vases and an incense burner were dedicated to a Daoist temple in China on May 13th, 1351.

Why were these items dedicated to the temple?

The items were offered to the temple in honor of a General who had recently been made a God.

What is unique about the historical information provided by the inscriptions on the vases?

The inscriptions on the vases provide specific information including the exact day of the dedication, which is rare in historical records.

Who is Sir Percival David and how are the vases named after him?

Sir Percival David was a collector who purchased the vases and amassed an amazing collection of Chinese ceramics. The vases are known as the David Vases after him.

What type of porcelain are the David Vases made of?

The David Vases are made of blue and white porcelain, which is a lustrous ceramic made from a very pure kind of clay.

Where does the word 'porcelain' originate from?

The word 'porcelain' originates from the Venetian explorer Marco Polo, who thought the hard white surface of porcelain looked like the inside of a seashell, similar to the Italian word for a cowry shell.

What was the political context of China in 1351?

In 1351, China was part of the vast Mongol Empire, also known as the Yuan Dynasty, which stretched from China in the east to what we think of today as Eastern Europe.

What is the source of the blue color in blue and white porcelain?

The blue color in blue and white porcelain comes from a mineral called Cobalt, which was sourced from what is present-day Iran.

How was the blue and white porcelain produced?

The cobalt was painted onto the white porcelain, which was made from pure clay, then the entire piece was covered with a clear glaze and fired at a very high temperature.

What technological advantage did the Chinese have in producing porcelain?

The Chinese had kilns that were technologically far advanced compared to anything in the west or even the near east, allowing them to produce high-quality porcelain.

What do the motifs on the David Vases represent?

The David Vases are covered with motifs typical for Chinese ceramics, most prominently a great dragon at the shoulder, a vine and floral motif around the base and top, and a phoenix on the neck of the vase.

What is the significance of the inscription on the David Vases?

The inscription on the David Vases helps date the porcelain to the Yuan Dynasty and specifically to May 13th, providing a historical context for the vases.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 Historical Dedication of Chinese Porcelain

The script discusses the historical significance of two vases and an incense burner dedicated to a Daoist temple in China on May 13th, 1351. These items were inscribed with the donor's name, date, and purpose, offering a rare level of specificity in dating. The vases, now known as the David Vases, are housed in the British Museum and are examples of blue and white porcelain, a type of ceramic known for its lustrous quality. The script explains the origin of the word 'porcelain' and the materials used in its creation, including cobalt from present-day Iran. The vases are significant as they predate the Ming dynasty and provide insight into the Yuan Dynasty's porcelain production and the global influences of the Mongol Empire.

Keywords

💡Daoist temple

A Daoist temple is a place of worship for Daoism, a Chinese philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao, or 'the Way'. In the video, the dedication of vases and an incense burner to a Daoist temple signifies a religious offering, reflecting the cultural and spiritual practices of the time. The temple's mention situates the artifacts within a specific religious and historical context.

💡Dedication

Dedication in this context refers to the act of committing something, such as the vases and incense burner, to a specific purpose, often in honor or memory of someone or something. The script mentions that the items were dedicated to a temple in honor of a General who had been deified, illustrating the cultural practice of honoring significant figures through material offerings.

💡Blue and white porcelain

Blue and white porcelain is a type of Chinese ceramic known for its white background and blue decorations. It is highlighted in the video as an archetype of Chinese ceramics in the west. The vases discussed are examples of this style, showcasing the artistic and technological achievements of Chinese porcelain production during the Yuan Dynasty.

💡Cobalt

Cobalt is a mineral used as a pigment to produce the blue color in blue and white porcelain. The script explains that the cobalt used originated from present-day Iran, indicating a global trade network and cultural exchange during the period. The use of cobalt is significant as it contributes to the distinctive aesthetic of the porcelain and reflects the international nature of the Mongol Empire.

💡Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire, also known as the Yuan Dynasty in China, was a vast empire that stretched from China to Eastern Europe. The script mentions that China was part of this empire, which influenced the production of porcelain, including the vases discussed. The Mongol Empire's reach facilitated cultural and technological exchanges that contributed to the development of blue and white porcelain.

💡Lustrous

Lustrous refers to the shiny, glossy appearance of an object, often due to a smooth surface or a layer of glaze. In the context of the video, porcelain is described as being very lustrous, which is a result of the high-quality clay and the application of a clear glaze. This term helps to convey the visual appeal and the high level of craftsmanship of the porcelain.

💡Marco Polo

Marco Polo was a Venetian explorer who traveled to China during the period discussed in the video. He is noted for contributing to the etymology of the word 'porcelain,' which he likened to the inside of a seashell due to its hard, white surface. His experiences and descriptions provide a historical link between China and Europe and highlight the influence of Chinese porcelain on the Western world.

💡Yuan Dynasty

The Yuan Dynasty was a period in Chinese history (1271–1368) during which the Mongol Empire ruled China. The script mentions that the vases help date blue and white porcelain to this era, prior to the Ming Dynasty. Understanding the Yuan Dynasty is crucial for placing the artifacts in their historical context and recognizing the cultural and artistic developments of the time.

💡Archetype

An archetype refers to a typical example or model of a category or concept. In the video, blue and white porcelain is described as an archetype of Chinese ceramics in the west, indicating its widespread recognition and influence. The term helps to emphasize the significance and iconic status of this style of porcelain in Western perceptions of Chinese art.

💡Inscription

An inscription is a written text that is inscribed, or engraved, onto an object. The script mentions that the vases have inscriptions that help date them to the Yuan Dynasty and provide specific information about their dedication. Inscriptions are important for historians and archaeologists as they offer direct evidence about the origin, purpose, and historical context of artifacts.

💡British Museum

The British Museum in London is where the David Vases are currently housed, as mentioned in the script. The museum's role is significant as it serves as a custodian of these historical artifacts, making them accessible to the public and scholars for study and appreciation. The mention of the British Museum places the vases within the broader context of global cultural heritage and preservation.

Highlights

On May 13th, 1351, two vases and an incense burner were dedicated to a Daoist temple in China.

The vases were made specifically for the dedication and inscribed with the donor's name, date, and purpose.

The vases were an offering to honor a General who had been deified.

The exact day of the dedication is known, a rarity in historical records.

The incense burner is lost, but the two vases are housed in the British Museum.

The vases are named the David Vases after Sir Percival David, who reunited them.

The vases are tall and exemplify the archetype of Chinese ceramics in the West.

They are made of blue and white porcelain, a lustrous ceramic.

The word 'porcelain' originates from the Venetian explorer Marco Polo's description of its resemblance to a seashell.

The Yuan Dynasty, part of the Mongol Empire, influenced the production of porcelain for export.

The blue color in the porcelain comes from cobalt, a mineral from present-day Iran.

The cobalt is painted on white porcelain, then covered with a clear glaze for luminosity.

Chinese kilns were technologically advanced, firing porcelain at high temperatures to resemble glass.

The blue and white motif may have been influenced by Iranian tastes and markets.

The vases predate the Ming Dynasty, dating blue and white porcelain to the Yuan Dynasty.

The vases are adorned with typical Chinese ceramic motifs, including a dragon and floral patterns.

The vases feature elephant-shaped handles, possibly inspired by bronze ware.

Despite being from 1351, the vases are in remarkably good condition.

Transcripts

(piano playing)

Dr. Zucker: On May 13th in 1351 two vases

and an incense burner were dedicated to a

Daoist temple in China.

Dr. Harris: By a man who had these made

specifically for this purpose and had his name, date,

and the purpose of this dedication inscribed right

on the vases themselves.

These were an offering to this temple in honor

of a General who had recently been made a God.

Dr. Zucker: I love that we have all of this specific

information.

In our history, we so often have to guess the year

and here we have the exact day.

Dr. Harris: This is something rather familiar to us.

We still make dedications, we still make offerings.

Dr. Zucker: We've lost the incense burner,

but we do have the two vases

and now we're looking at them in the

British Museum in London.

Dr. Harris: Right, they're known as the

David Vases, after Sir Percival David

the collector who purchased them,

amassed this amazing collection of about 1500

Chinese ceramics and brought these two vases,

which belong together, back together again.

Dr. Harris: They're fairly tall

and they are an archetype of what we think of

Chinese ceramics in the west.

This is blue and white porcelain.

Dr. Harris: Porcelain is a very specific kind

of ceramic that's very lustrous.

Dr. Zucker: It's made from a very

pure kind of clay.

We get the word porcelain from the Venetian

explorer, Marco Polo who went to China

during this very period.

Apparently when he saw porcelain

and it's hard white surface, he thought it looked

like the inside of a seashell.

The word porcelain is very close to the Italian

word for a cowry shell.

Dr. Harris: The deed is 1351,

China was part of the vast Mongol Empire

that stretched from China in the east to what

we think of today as Eastern Europe.

Dr. Zucker: So often we use the word China

to refer, not to the country,

but to porcelain material.

That's because China produced an enormous

amount of porcelain for export.

What's interesting is that the Chinese produced

products for export with the local markets

that they were selling to in mind.

Dr. Harris: In fact, we think about this kind of

blue and white China as quintessentially Chinese,

but as it turns out history is always

a lot more complicated because at this point

China was actually part of the Mongol Empire,

also known as the Yuan Dynasty.

Porcelain is white, but the blue is from

a mineral called Cobalt from what is

present day Iran.

Dr. Zucker: The cobalt is painted on the

white porcelain, which is this very pure clay

and then the entire thing is covered with a

clear glaze which helps to give it this great

sense of luminosity.

Dr. Harris: Then it's fired at very high temperature

so it becomes like glass, unlike typical ceramics

or earthen ware.

Dr. Zucker: The Chinese had kilns that were

technologically far advanced of anything in

the west or even in the near east.

Dr. Harris: While we might think about this as

very Chinese this is actually the result of a

global Mongol Empire and the interaction of

China and Iran.

Dr. Zucker: In fact, some scholars think that the

blue and white motif itself was not only based

on the material from Iran,

but was based on the taste of the local markets

in Iran and that these pots were made for export.

Dr. Harris: Although in this case,

it was made for a temple in China.

Dr. Zucker: Near the principal production

center for porcelain.

Dr. Harris: So while we might think about

blue and white China as from the period of

the Ming dynasty, later than this,

these vases help us to date blue and white

porcelain to the period before the Ming dynasty

to the Yuan Dynasty.

Dr. Zucker: Let's take a look at

the vases themselves.

They're about two and a half feet tall

and they're covered with motif's that we think

of as typical for Chinese ceramics.

Most prominently on both vases,

right at the shoulder is a great dragon,

the serpentine form.

Dr. Harris: Then around the base we see a vine

and floral motif.

We see that again just above the dragon motif

and again at the very top.

Dr. Zucker: The neck of the vase is divided

into two parts.

The bottom part includes a phoenix

and then the top part leaves,

but interspersed between the leaves is

the inscription that helps us date this to the

Yuan Dynasty and specifically to May 13th.

The handles are elephants and although this is

ceramic the design seems to come from

bronze ware.

In a bronze vessel you'd normally have a ring

that hangs down from the handle.

You can see that there was probably a ring

here originally, it was attached to the elephants

trunk, you can see the break marks.

So, these are not in perfect condition,

although, they are in awfully good condition.

Dr. Harris: Considering that they date from 1351.

(piano playing)