-Made of Jingdezhen porcelain, the same materials found in Ai Weiwei’s sunflower seeds -The blue color was imported from Iran; Chinese expansion into western Asia made the cobalt blue available -The vases were modeled after bronzes of the same type -The necks and feet of the vases contain leaves and flowers -They have elephant-head-shaped handles -Central section: Chinese dragons with traditional long bodies and beards; dragons have scales and claws and are set in a sea of clouds.
--One of the most important examples of Chinese blue and white porcelain in existence. -A dedication is written on the side of the neck of the vessels; believed to be the earliest known blue-and-white porcelain dedication. -Inscription on one of the vases:” Zhang Wenjin, from Jintang community, Deijio village, Shuncheng township, Yushan county, Xinzhou circuit, a disciple of the Holy Gods, is Hu Jingyi at the Original Palace in Xingyuan, as a prayer for the protection and blessing of the whole family and for the peace of his sons and daughters. Carefully offered on an auspicious day in the Fourth Month, the Eleventh year of the Zhizheng reign. -Named after Sir Percival David, a collector of Chinese art.
-Made for the altar of a Daoist temple along with an incense burner, which has not been found; a typical altar set. -The site was heavily damaged during the 20th century
-Additional