Jun (Ceremonial Jar), White Porcelain with Dragon Design in Cobalt-blue Underglaze

This type of tall jar or vase is called a jun (樽), which refers to a vessel used in ceremonies, to hold either flowers or wine. This particular jun is boldly decorated with a dragon-and-cloud motif, and it is known that certain court rituals employed a pair of juns with dragon designs. This massive jar has an imposing form, and it stands out even more because of its elaborate pattern. In addition to the striking dragon, the jun features several secondary designs, including a ring of scrolled vines around the mouth and stylized lotus patterns at the top and bottom. The lotus designs are similar, but they do differ from each other in both size and shape. The elongated dragon—with a vividly illustrated beard, fin, scales, and claws—is playing with a Cintamani (an auspicious Buddhist jewel) against a backdrop of clouds, above and below. The transparent light blue glaze perfectly complements the deep cobalt-blue underglaze, conveying a powerful visual sensation.