Judgement of Paris

Object NameJug

Datec. 1760

OriginChina

MediumPorcelain

Dimensions4 × 1 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. diameter (10.2 × 3.8 × 3.8 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics

Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number2.2.90

Status

Not on view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureChinese

Label TextThe Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) witnessed an insatiable western appetite for Chinese export wares, primarily porcelain, which had reached their finest peak. The Qing became known for technical mastery in the decorative arts that could be purchased at a substantial bargain by European standards. An eighteenth-century aristocrat could commission a huge dinner service based on a selected print and standard stock range for a fraction of the European price. The images on this jug are taken from the Judgment of Paris, a mythological beauty contest in which Paris, the son of the King of Troy, was to choose the fairest of three goddesses: Hera goddess of gods; Aphrodite, goddess of love; and Athena, goddess of war. The jug features Hera holding a scepter, Aphrodite with her son and Athena holding a spear. The artist for this jug most likely did not have a European print to use as a guide. The figures and landscape are very curious, appearing much more Asian than classical or European. Also, Paris was to award the chosen goddess with a golden apple. On the jug, Aphrodite extends her arm to receive a nonexistent apple ironically omitted by the artist, misrepresenting one of the most commonly known mythological stories in western culture.

PeriodQing Dynasty

Locations