Lot 88 A Chinese blue and white 'Dragons Chasing the Flaming Pearl' vase

A Chinese blue and white 'Dragons Chasing the Flaming Pearl' vase

Transitional period

未知

€ 3.000 – € 6.000

H: H. 23,5 cm

未知

The pear-shaped vase with a long neck and bulbous upper section is finely painted in underglaze cobalt blue with two four-clawed dragons pursuing a flaming pearl, surrounded by stylised clouds and flames. The dragons coil dynamically around the body of the vessel; their scales, flowing manes and expressive features are rendered with bold brushwork and subtle tonal washes. The bulbous neck is decorated with pearls and scrolling floral motifs beneath a band of upright stylised banana leaves.
The dragon is one of the most enduring motifs in Chinese art, symbolising imperial authority, strength and auspicious power. Shown in pursuit of the flaming pearl, it represents wisdom, vitality and the relentless quest for perfection.
The vase has a neatly finished recessed base enclosed by an unglazed foot rim.
此瓶作梨形，長頸，上部鼓起。通體以釉下青花繪雙龍趕珠紋，兩條四爪龍盤旋於器身，穿行於流雲火焰之間。龍身矯健，鱗片、飄動的鬃髮及神態均以豪放筆觸配合青花濃淡暈染描繪，氣勢生動。鼓起的頸部飾寶珠及纏枝花卉紋，上承一周仰蕉葉紋。
龍紋是中國藝術中最具代表性的傳統紋樣之一，象徵權威、力量與祥瑞。雙龍追逐火珠，寓意智慧、生命力及對圓滿境界的不懈追求。
器底內凹，修整規整，足圈露胎。
Provenance:
A Dutch private collection.
Rob Michiels Auctions, Bruges, 28 April 2018, lot 233. (sold EUR 6.240,00) (link)
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above. (see added scan)