Jug from the Ming dynasty. China, 17th century.Polychrome porcelain.Measurements: 30 x 24 x 24 cm.The porcelain vessel in question is covered with a thick white glaze characterized by an expressive crackle, derived from the celadon of earlier times. This glaze is combined here with motifs brushed in grayish cobalt blue glaze. It is a circular foot and wide body piece, with a spillway and four small washers on its neck.The Ming dynasty is one of the longest periods in Chinese history, lasting approximately three centuries. After the Yuan period of foreign domination, the Ming period saw the re-establishment of traditional Chinese values. The seventeen emperors of this dynasty reigned in a state of relative peace and prosperity, and belonged to the Han ethnic group (the majority in China), as did the civil service. The economy will be transformed from an agrarian state to a completely mercantile one at the end of the dynasty. Especially from the 16th century onwards, a monetary economy will appear. The industry will be fundamental, there will be important technological advances and a remarkable urban growth. A merchant bourgeoisie appeared, again mainly from the 16th century onwards, and the production of decorative arts was definitively industrialized. This will occur especially in porcelain, which will supply both the Chinese and European markets from this moment on. It is therefore a moment in which China looks to itself, recovering its tradition and, at the same time, initiating new contacts with the West and making important expeditions by sea.