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Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown (Jamestown)
January 5 - July 12
“Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown,” a special exhibition presented in partnership with the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, debuts November 15, 2025 at Jamestown Settlement.
The special exhibition will explore compelling discoveries that connect the early years of the Jamestown colony and Asia.
More than 100 Chinese Ming porcelain vessels have been discovered during archaeological excavations of the 1607-1625 fort at Historic Jamestowne. For this exhibition, a total of 31 vessels recovered during Jamestown Rediscovery excavations will be paired with intact parallels from English, Dutch and American museums, as well as private collections from across the globe.
Among the notable objects, on loan for the first time from the Royal Collection and usually displayed at Buckingham Palace is a Ming bottle with gilt-bronze mounts that features a fenghuang, a mythical bird representing the Chinese empress and symbolizing joy, peace, and sincerity. One of only three examples known to exist, the Ming bottle will be displayed near archaeological fragments of a bottle uncovered at Historic Jamestowne.
The exhibition examines who may have owned these evocative pieces, how they may have been acquired, and offers fresh insights into the social life of the early 17th-century Virginia elite. The exhibition will delve into the Chinese symbolism found in the decorative motifs of the porcelain and offer a deeper understanding of cultural connections across continents.
Special exhibition included with museum admission
“Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown” is included with general admission to Jamestown Settlement.
Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive complimentary admission to both museums with proof of residency. Parking is free.
