Yuan Dynasty Porcelain Plate with Underglaze Cobalt Decoration of Cranes

Based on Visual and Microscopic AnalysisPublished reference: Dronova N.D., What You Should Know About Ancient Chinese Porcelain, p. 14 (Москва, 2016) 1. Object Title Porcelain plate with underglaze cobalt decoration of cranesTarelochnaya forma, late Yuan dynasty (1269–1368 AD) 2. Provenance Origin: Jingdezhen kilns, Jiangxi Province, China Period: Yuan dynasty (13th–14th century) 3. Materials and Technique Body: White porcelain Decoration: Underglaze blue painted with natural cobalt Glaze: Transparent, high-fired in oxidizing atmosphere Pigment: Manganese-bearing cobalt, likely imported from Persia (Sumali cobalt) 4. Dimensions Diameter: 16 cm Base: Flat, unglazed 5. Description and Symbolism The plate has a scalloped rim and features two cranes in flight among stylized flowers and vines, symbolizing longevity and noble aspirations. The outer rim is encircled by a continuous scroll pattern. Brushwork is fluid and confident, with visible tonal variation due to cobalt diffusion. The cobalt pigment has migrated into the glaze, forming characteristic blue halos and speckling. 6. Microscopic and Material Diagnostics Fig. 2. Glaze–Body Interface Clear boundary between glaze and porcelain Presence of iron blush at transition, caused by oxidation of ferruginous clay Fig. 3. Base Unglazed, worn surface Iron-rich speckling, natural patina No reign mark or artificial modification Fig. 4. Porcelain Matrix White, fine-grained body with dispersed iron oxide inclusions Consistent with Yuan-period Jingdezhen porcelain mass Fig. 5. Cobalt Pigment Microscopy Shows diffusion halos, speckling, and color gradation Presence of manganese crystal residues, a diagnostic of Persian-imported cobalt (Sumali type) 7. Comparative Examples Museum Object Accession Shanghai Museum Yuan plate with cranes TQ-1345 Metropolitan Museum of Art Yuan plate with scrolls and birds 1977.78.1 V&A Museum Blue-and-white ware with Persian cobalt diffusion Ref. Yuan group 8. Published Reference This exact object and the associated microscopic analysis are published in: 📘 Dronova N.D.Что надо знать о старинном китайском фарфоре / What You Should Know About Ancient Chinese PorcelainMoscow, 2016. ISBN: 978-5-9908782-6-6→ Page 14: Yuan dynasty plate with underglaze blue cranes, pigment microscopy photo included 9. Conclusion This object exemplifies early mastery of underglaze cobalt decoration during the Yuan dynasty. The combination of: Persian-origin cobalt Tonal diffusion under glaze Manganese speckling Dense porcelain matrix Iron oxide residue at interface proves authenticity and places the object within the museum-grade category of late 13th–14th century Jingdezhen kilns. 10. Keywords Yuan dynasty porcelain, Jingdezhen, underglaze blue, natural cobalt, Persian cobalt, Sumali pigment, crane motif, iron blush, manganese speckling, microscopic glaze analysis, Mongol China ceramics, Dronova N.D., diagnostic pigment study, museum-grade porcelain