Final answer:
The David Vases are iconic Ming Dynasty porcelain works featuring white ceramic with cobalt-blue underglaze, bronze handles with phoenix and dragon motifs, and historical inscriptions, representing the high-quality porcelain-making techniques of the era. Option 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The David Vases in China are renowned examples of Ming Dynasty porcelain. They are characterized by 1) white porcelain with cobalt-blue underglaze, 2) bronze figurative handles with phoenix and dragon motifs, 3) decorative floral and vegetative designs, and 4) inscriptions on the neck providing historical information. These vases are white because they were made from kaolin clay or porcelain stone, or a combination of both, yielding a fine ceramic quality. The cobalt-blue underglaze was imported from Iran, heavily influenced by Islamic designs, and such pieces were typically fired in oxidizing conditions to achieve their distinct color.
During the Ming Dynasty, Jingdezhen was the centralized location for the production of imperial porcelain goods, serving both domestic uses and international trade. The unique and intricate designs, such as the dragon and phoenix design, were in great demand both within the imperial court and among foreign traders. The art of porcelain-making reached new heights during this era with the use of improved clay mixtures to create thinner vessels, new glazes for a whiter and shinier appearance, and a varied color palette for different decorative styles, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of the time.