Decorative

AN EXQUISITE CHINESE BLUE & WHITE 'FIVE-CLAWED ...

A rare and well-preserved example of 1890 from Late Qing Dynasty, Guangxu Period (1875-1908), noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

Exquisite Chinese Blue & White ''Five-Clawed Dragon'' Meiping Vase An Exceptional Late Qing Dynasty Masterpiece (Guangxu Period, c. 1875-1908)\n\nThis stunning cobalt blue and white porcelain vase features a classic Meiping silhouette, elegantly tapering toward the base with a high, rounded shoulder and a short, waisted neck. The vessel is dominated by a bold, ferociously rendered Imperial Five-Clawed Dragon, a traditional symbol of power, strength, and good fortune.\n\nKey Features:\nDynamic Artistry: The dragon is depicted with exceptional detail, featuring scrolling scales, flame-like appendages, and a powerful serpentine body that wraps around the vase.\nImperial Iconography: The presence of the five claws historically signifies a connection to the Imperial court.\nFine Glaze & Pigment: The rich, vibrant cobalt blue stands in beautiful contrast against the milky-white vitreous glaze.\nDocumented History: The base features a six-character apocryphal Kangxi mark, characteristic of the fine revivals seen during the Guangxu reign. Notably, the underside bears vintage hand-painted collection markings including ''London'' and an inventory number (EK 173), adding a layer of provenance and historical intrigue.\n\nSpecifications:\nHeight: 25.5 cm\nMaterial: Fine Chinese Porcelain\nCondition: Excellent antique condition, showcasing a smooth glaze and crisp underglaze blue decoration (see photos for detail).\nPeriod: Late Qing Dynasty, Guangxu Period (1875--1908).\n\nCollector''s Note: This vase is a perfect example of the late 19th-century fascination with classical Ming and early Qing motifs. Its impressive size and the fierce movement of the dragon make it a standout decorative piece for any serious collector of Chinese ceramics.

— Details

Reference

SA1190926

Origin

Late Qing Dynasty, Guangxu Period (1875-1908)

Period

1890

Dimensions

H 25.5cm

Provenance

Private London, UK Collection since 1946

Condition

Excellent — see description