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Up for sale is this "A Blue and White 'Dragon' Bowl, Mark and Period of 18C #5261" If you have any questions please contact us before buy it. No reserve.
Width: approx. 12cm (4 23⁄32in)
Height: approx. 5cm (1 31⁄32in)
Weight: 86g
Origin: China
This piece is a porcelain bowl featuring a dragon motif painted using the qinghua (blue and white) technique, an exquisite work that combines beauty with exceptional craftsmanship. The interior is adorned with four dynamically depicted dragons, surrounding a central flaming pearl (huoyanzhu). In Chinese culture, dragons have long been an important motif symbolizing imperial authority and good fortune, and this bowl follows that tradition in its design. The brushwork is both delicate and powerful, reflecting the high level of skill of the artisan.
The exterior is finished with a translucent glaze with a slight bluish tint, enhancing its elegant appearance. Notably, a subtle embossed dragon pattern emerges depending on the angle of light, further enriching the piece’s visual appeal. The base bears a “Da Ming Chenghua Nian Zhi” (Made in the Chenghua Period of the Great Ming Dynasty) mark, indicating the prestige of the Chenghua period (1465–1487) of the Ming Dynasty. However, based on the refined form and precise painting, it is highly likely that this piece is a later reproduction, crafted with advanced techniques during the Qing Dynasty.
As for its condition, the piece remains generally well-preserved, with no major cracks or chips. However, minor discoloration and slight glaze wear due to aging can be observed in certain areas. The porcelain body is dense and finely crafted, with a thin yet durable structure that balances both functionality and aesthetics. This bowl is not only suitable for use in the tea ceremony but also holds significant value as a collectible, allowing one to fully appreciate the elegance of blue-and-white porcelain and its historical significance.