A Rare Blue and White ‘Dragon’ Vase. Qianlong Seal Mark and Period
A Rare Blue and White ‘Dragon’ Vase. Qianlong Seal Mark and Period. Photo Sotheby's
the globular body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall waisted neck and flaring rim, painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with three scaly five-clawed dragons in pursuit of a flaming pearl amidst stylised cloud scrolls above foaming waves, the rim decorated with a keyfret border and the foot with a classic scroll band, the base inscribed with a six-character seal mark; 38cm., 18in. Estimate 50,000—70,000 GBP; Lot Sold 1,138,850 GBP
NOTE: The present vase is notable for the harmonious composition of dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls. A large Qianlong vase with slightly shorter neck and taller body, decorated with nine dragons amongst clouds in underglaze blue, is published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red (III), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 118.
Compare a related Jiaqing mark and period vase of smaller dimensions and painted with nine dragons, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1876; another attributed to the Jiaqing period included in the exhibition Ethereal Elegance. Porcelain Vases of the Imperial Qing. The Huaihaitang Collection, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, cat. no. 112; and a Daoguang mark and period example sold in these rooms, 8th December 1992, lot 251.
Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 11 May 11, London www.sothebys.com