Large Early 20th Century Blue and White Ming Dynasty Style Planter With Dragons

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There is one distinctive feature absent in Chinese dragons - they do not have wings. Then these is an unknown … Read more There is one distinctive feature absent in Chinese dragons - they do not have wings. Then these is an unknown feature about Chinese dragons, they are benevolent creatures, unlike their Western counterparts. Chinese dragons are quadrupedal with claws, the numbers vary sometimes according to rank. They are covered in overlapping scales or armored plates in a variety of colors, and can have horns, frills, or spikes about their head, as well as spikes or fins both in ridges down their spine and distributed over their backs.

In Imperial China, any art form featuring five claw dragons was restricted for use in the palace or royal houses.

The dragons on this large blue and white planter, or container are quite lively and they appear to be in a dance among fire forms and clouds and confronting each other. The designs are well drawn, with the dragons look fierce in their open mouths showing large teeth an flaring whiskers. The idea is they are protecting the contents that will be placed in the pot.

In China, this heavy porcelain pot would have been a container of painting and calligraphy scrolls in a Chinese Scholar's Study. But it will make a fine planter to be used indoors for a large tree. It is an antique in Ming Dynasty style. See less