Jar with Dragon and Clouds c. 17th century

This Jar with Dragon and Clouds at the Minneapolis Institute of Art invites us to consider themes of power and identity in art. The dragon, a potent symbol in many cultures, often represents strength, good fortune, and imperial authority. In certain East Asian traditions, the dragon is closely associated with the emperor and masculine power. The clouds, too, can symbolize the heavens and the connection between the earthly and the divine. Yet, the jar was created by an anonymous artist, whose identity and personal narrative remain obscured by history. Here, we might reflect on who has the power to create, to name, and to be remembered. The dragon is a symbol of cultural identity and a reflection on the dynamics of tradition, artistry, and the unspoken stories embedded within the artwork.