Chinese
Zhi-Long Dragon Brush Washer, n.d., Qing Dynasty
On view
Porcelain with celadon glaze
Dimensions2 1/2 × 4 1/4 in. (6.4 × 10.8 cm)
Gift of F. Karel Wiest, 1982.328
This grouping of Qing Dynasty porcelains (1644–1911) features a variety of elegant forms and glaze types, which are further embellished with finely detailed three-dimensional animal forms. Porcelain was invented in China, perhaps as early as the seventh or eighth century. Porcelain objects are fired, or heated, in a kiln at extremely high temperatures until the clay fuses into a dense, hard substance that resembles stone or glass. Porcelain is made from fine white clay and its rich, shiny surface was appealing and considered a luxury item in China.
