In regard to its size, rich variety and high quality, Topkapi Palace has the most valuable collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain in the world. At present, it can be challenged only by the former Chinese Imperial collections now in Taiwan, and was also previously challanged - until the World War II - by the collections gathered together at Dresden by Augustus the Strong of Saxony, some items of which vanished during the war years.
The palace contains a total of 10.700 Chinese pieces, ranging from the late Sung (13th century) and the Yuan dynasties (1280-1368), through the Ming (1368-1644) to the Ch'ing period (1644-1912). A number of these are now on display in the Palace Kitchens.
In the collection, there are up to 730 Japanese porcelains dating from 17-19th centuries. These are mainly Imari ware produced in and around Arita in southern Japan.
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Celadon dish Yuan dynasty. Early to mid-14th century. |
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Celadon bottle Late 14th or early 15th century. |
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Candle holder in the form of a phoenix Ming dynasty. Second half of 16th century. The silver-gilt mounting and jewels are Ottoman additions. |
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Ewer Ming Dynasty. Early 15th century. The plain white ewer has a pearl shaped body with a flared mouth. Its Ottoman rim mount is gold with rubies. |
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Saucer shaped dish Ming dynasty. Early 16th century. |
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Ewer Ming dynasty. Second half of 16th century. |
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Basin Quing Dynasty. c. 1735-50. |
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Jar Quing dynasty. c. 1735-50. |
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Chinese celadon matara Later refurbished byOttoman craftsman in 16th century by adding gilded silver components. |
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Celadon footed bowl Yuan dynasty, 14th century. |
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Celadon dish Ming dynasty, 15th century. |
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Blue and white chinese vase Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. 14-17th centuries. |
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Blue and white chinese vase Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. 14-17th centuries. |
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Blue and white chinese vase Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. 14-17th centuries. |
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Blue and white chinese vase Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. 14-17th centuries. |
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Blue and white Chinese plate Ch'i-lin motif. 14th century. |
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Blue and white Chinese dish Yuan dynasty, 14th century. |
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Chinese dish Qing dynasty, 17th century. |
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Chinese dish Ming dynasty, 15th century. |
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Chinese dish Qing dynasty, 17th century. |
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Chinese dish Qing dynasty, 17th century. |
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Chinese bowl Bowl with rock-crystal dome. 16th century. |
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Chinese cup Ming dynasty, 16th century. |
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Incense burner Porcelain with a silver cover. Ming dynasty, 17th century. |
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Chinese bowl Qing dynasty, 19th century. |
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Chinese bowl Ming dynasty, 16th century. |
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Ewer Ming dynasty, 16th century. |
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Chinese bowl 17th century. |
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Annam vase Dated 1450. |
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Chinese vase "mei p'ing vase, 14th century. |
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Japanese porcelain 18th century. |