Vase c. 18th century

This vase was created anonymously, and we don't know when. But its minimalist design and monochrome palette can tell us a lot about the world in which it was made. Consider the impact of production techniques on artistic expression. How did the invention of new methods affect who was able to make art? As historians, we can see the vase's design as part of a long tradition of ceramic art in China. The production of porcelain dates back centuries, and the techniques involved were closely guarded secrets. The vase's simple elegance reflects the values of Confucianism, which emphasized restraint and order. The vase's anonymity also raises questions about authorship and originality. In a society that prized tradition and conformity, individual expression was not always valued. We might consider whether this vase was produced for the court, or for export. In this way, our understanding of the vase becomes something that is contingent on a specific social and institutional context.