Photo: Loren Maron
Photo: Loren Maron
Photo: Loren Maron
Photo: Loren Maron

Imperial Yellow Prickly Melon Vases

USA, 1900
Date acquired:
Materials:
Porcelain
Form - Functional: N/A
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Carved
Hand-Built
Thrown
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Cliff Lee | 1951 – Present

Cliff Lee recreates classical Chinese forms using thrown and carved porcelain. He finishes these with glazes ranging from lava to imperial yellow.

Lee was raised in Taiwan where he was surrounded by his parent?s extensive collection of Asian ceramics. He moved to the United States in 1968 where he attended medical school specializing in neurosurgery. He left medicine in 1978 to pursue a career in ceramics.

Lee?s work reflects the influence of this early exposure to classic Asian ceramics. He typically carves motifs from mythology and from nature. Lee is known for his glazes including celadon, oxblood, lava, and oil spot. Lee's imperial yellow glaze was formulated and perfected over 17 years. It is considered to be true to the ancient Chinese formula for imperial yellow.

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Lee in other collections

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These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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