An unusual blue and white 'Dragon' vase, Wanli period (1573-1619)
Lot 1342. An unusual blue and white 'Dragon' vase, Wanli period (1573-1619); 12 ¼ in. (31.1 cm.) high. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018
The high-shouldered, tapering body is decorated on one side with two four-clawed dragons leaping amidst clouds and flames interspersed with a flaming pearl and a flaming ruyi head, the two confronted on a panel enclosing four characters, taizi yeye, the flames continuing onto the reverse to surround a large panel enclosing a dedicatory inscription to a temple positioned above two horses flanking a rock rising from rolling waves. A further band of four horses leaping above a band of rocks and waves is below, and a wan-diaper band with four 'crane' cartouches is on the shoulder below the narrow, waisted neck and cup-shaped mouth, Japanese wood box.
Provenance: Tozan Art Collection, Toyama, Japan.
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 13 - 14 September 2018