This page was created by Erica Belden.
When was this ewer made?
Erica Belden, Class of 2026, College of the Holy Cross
The Ewer in the Form of a Parrot was made in the 1500s, during a period known as the "Ming Gap." This occurred when Emperor Ming Hongwu banned overseas trade in China. The lack of competition allowed Vietnamese ceramics to flourish. It concluded by the early 1600s when Chinese ceramics began to circulate again.
Ewer in the Form of a Parrot was created during the Le So Dynasty (1428-1527) or the Lê Dynasty (1533-1592). During this time, Vietnam was called Dai Viet and was a prosperous nation in Asia. This period saw major advancements in agriculture, irrigation, and architecture and was known as the “golden age” of Vietnam’s history. Ewer in the Form of a Parrot was made during a period of great change and development in Vietnam.