A blue and white 'dragon' dish, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
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Well painted in deep tones of cobalt blue with a scaly sinuous five-clawed dragon contesting a centralised flaming pearl, amongst cloud scrolls. The decoration is repeated on the back with two striding sinuous five clawed dragons pursuing the flaming pearl. Diameter 34.7 cm.
Chips, polished chips.
Provenance
Property of the jeweller Karin Torndahl 1902-1982. Founder and owner of Torndahls Juvelerare, active during the first part of the 20th century. Thence by descent.
More information
The painting of the magnificent five-clawed dragon, rendered with a ferocious expression with gaping jaws revealing sharp fangs, bulbous eyes and flaring nostrils, is meticulously detailed and naturalistic. The dragon's scaly body is depicted in the moment of leaping above turbulent crashing waves in pursuit of the flaming pearl amongst the milliard swirling clouds and flames. The five-clawed dragon symbolized the Emperor.