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Monk’s cap ewer

early 15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 204
The form of this ewer comes from Tibetan metalwork; because the top reminded Chinese patrons of the hats worn by Tibetan monks, it was given the name “monk’s cap ewer” (sengmaohu). It is a tea container intended for use in Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Probably a gift for a prominent Tibetan cleric, this example is made of the exceptionally pure white porcelain of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Finely incised floral scrolls fill the upper register while auspicious Tibetan phrases wrap around the vessel’s waist.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明早期 景德鎮窯白釉暗花僧帽壺
  • Title: Monk’s cap ewer
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: early 15th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Porcelain with incised hidden (anhua) decoration under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 8 in. (20.3 cm); W. at spout 8 in. (20.3 cm); Diam. of foot 3 in. (7.6 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Gift of Stanley Herzman, in memory of Adele Herzman, 1991
  • Object Number: 1991.253.36
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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