Chinese Ceramics - Fit for the Emperor (USC Pacific Asia Museum)

Charger (large platter)
with phoenix
Ming dynasty (AD 1368–1644)
Porcelain, glaze (blue and white)
3.5 in. high x 17 in. diameter
Museum purchase
(formerly in the collection of
Ambassador Alexander Otto)
1994.46.10

[click on images for larger view]

Jar with phoenix
(detail)
Ming dynasty (AD 1368–1644)
Jiajing period (1522–1566)
Porcelain, glaze (blue and white)
14.75 in. high x 13 in. diameter
Gift of
Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Snukal
2000.34.9

3 of 5
Section 3:

Fit for the Emperor

The Kangxi emperor has three empresses, and the kilns make ceramics for them too. Just as the dragon stands for an emperor, the phoenix stands for an empress. The sages say that the phoenix is the most honored among birds: It appears only when the country is at peace and there is a virtuous ruler, hiding itself at other times.

These phoenix plates are in the blue and white style and are made of porcelain, which is a very fine ceramic that we Chinese developed. Although the phoenix is a royal symbol, blue and white porcelain is sold all over the world.