Late 19th Century Meiping Porcelain Vase Underglaze Blue & Copper-Red Dragon Amid Waves Six Character Mark

Details

Description

This is a Chinese porcelain meiping (prunus vase) of classic elegant proportions, with a small everted mouth, short neck, rounded … Read more This is a Chinese porcelain meiping (prunus vase) of classic elegant proportions, with a small everted mouth, short neck, rounded shoulders, and a body that tapers gracefully toward a slightly splayed foot. The exterior is decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and copper-red with a dynamic five-clawed dragon writhing among stylized waves and clouds. The dragon is rendered in rich copper-red tones with detailed scales, mane, claws, and an open-mouthed expression; the surrounding seascape and atmospheric elements are painted in varying washes and outlines of underglaze blue, with a band of formal waves around the foot. The white porcelain body is covered in a clear glaze of good transparency and evenness.

The recessed base is inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character seal-script apocryphal mark within a square frame, of the type associated with Qing imperial reign marks (commonly interpreted as variants of Da Qing [reign name] Nian Zhi). The foot rim is unglazed, revealing the fine white body.

Height is approximately in the typical range for such display vases (22 inches). Width is 13 inches (approx.). Condition appears good overall, with expected minor firing imperfections, light surface wear consistent with age and handling, and no major visible cracks or restorations noted.

This form and the underglaze blue-and-copper-red dragon-and-waves motif are classic Qing decorative themes symbolizing imperial power, protection, and cosmic authority. The combination of colors requires skilled kiln control, as copper-red is notoriously difficult to fire successfully alongside cobalt blue. While the style references 18th-century imperial prototypes from the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods, the present example is consistent with later production (late Qing through 20th century) that continued these popular designs for domestic and export markets. Suitable for collectors of Chinese porcelain, Chinoiserie interiors, or those seeking a striking decorative statement piece. See less