Chinese Blue and White ‘Dragon and Pearl’ Baluster Jar and Cover

Details

Description

Late Qing dynasty / Republic period, late 19th – early 20th century
A Chinese blue and white baluster jar and … Read more Late Qing dynasty / Republic period, late 19th – early 20th century
A Chinese blue and white baluster jar and cover, the generously potted ovoid body painted in vivid tones of cobalt with a sinuous four-clawed dragon writhing in pursuit of the flaming pearl amid cloud wisps and flame scrolls, above a band of crested, breaking waves encircling the spreading foot. The shoulder is collared with bold ruyi-head lappets enclosing diaper and floral motifs, and the domed cover — surmounted by a turned knop finial — is decorated en suite with figural and floral reserves. The dragon, executed with a finely stippled scale pattern, bristling mane and expressive gaping jaw, belongs to the Kangxi-revival idiom favoured by Chinese kilns at the turn of the twentieth century, when the great seventeenth-century dragon jars were widely emulated. The glazed base is left unmarked, as is typical of these wares. An imposing and decorative jar with strong graphic presence, well suited to display on a cabinet, console or chimneypiece.
— THE HOUSE —
From The Orient Gates: four generations of the Harb family, Damascene artisans and antique dealers since the 1870s, heirs of the painter Abou Sobhi Al-Tinawi (Muhammad Harb). Every piece is examined, restored and documented in our family ateliers. A certificate of authenticity accompanies every piece.
— DETAILS —
Origin: China
Period: Late Qing dynasty to Republic period, circa 1890–1930
Materials: Porcelain, Cobalt underglaze blue
Dimensions: Height: 41 cm (16 ¼ in.) See less