Primary sourceArtifact1403-1424

Red-glazed Plate of the Yongle Reign

1403-1424

A bright red-glazed porcelain plate made during the Yongle Emperor's reign, now held in the Palace Museum, Beijing.

Court porcelain produced during the Yongle Emperor's reign, part of the imperial collection associated with his court.

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A shallow, round ceramic dish with a glossy, bright red glaze and a thin pale rim, displayed against a black background on a dark draped surface. Light reflects off the glaze in small highlights near the back of the bowl. — Plate with bright red glaze, Yongle reign, Ming dynasty, 1403-1424. Palace Museum, Beijing.

About this source

What it is

This is a shallow ceramic plate covered in a glossy bright red glaze, made during the Yongle reign of the Ming dynasty. It is kept today in the Palace Museum, Beijing, which houses the former imperial collection.

Why it matters

Porcelain like this was made for the imperial court and reflects the resources and skill the Yongle Emperor commanded. Court-sponsored kilns of his reign are known for achieving especially pure, vivid glazes, showing how ceramics could express imperial power and taste.

Look closer

What does the quality of the glaze suggest about the workshops that made it?
Why might an emperor want his court to use objects this finely made?
What is missing from this object that would tell us exactly who used it?

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