Porcelain tankard, fifteenth century China

This Ming dynasty porcelain tankard incorporates some Chinese elements, such as the peony flower design on the body and the dragon-shaped handle. Its shape was not Chinese, however, but based on Islamic metalwork, which indicates it was made for export. Porcelain formed a large share of the goods exported from China across the Indian Ocean, and, after the fifteenth century, beyond it to Europe.

This source is a part of the Trade and Religion in the Indian Ocean Network, 1100-1500 teaching module.