From the time of the earliest emperor, yellow has been associated with the imperial family. Later, in the Ming period, yellow became the dominant color of objects and decorations used at the Altar of Earth, where the emperor performed his annual ceremonies dedicated to the patron god of agriculture. Eventually, the term “imperial yellow” was coined by modern collectors to refer to the fine porcelains produced in the Qing dynasty, especially during the reign of Kangxi (1662–1722), where the yellow has the rich tone of an egg yolk.

This very large vase in the striking form of a triple gourd does not bear a reign mark, but the presence of the lively five-clawed dragons in the decoration suggests that at one time it probably graced some part of the imperial quarters. The special brilliance of the yellow in this case was probably achieved by applying the yellow glaze (derived from antimony and lead oxide) over a previously glazed white porcelain body.