Rare Large Yuan-Style Copper-Red Glazed Vase With Dragon and Mythical Creature, Qing Dynasty

This exquisite porcelain showcases an exceptional balance between intricate painting and detailed carving, a testament to the skill of the artisan. The center of the body features a red background with white, delicately carved dragon and a legendary bird. The dragon, surrounded by clouds or flames, is depicted in a dynamic pose, with its scales, claws, and facial features meticulously rendered. The legendary bird is surrounded by finely carved flowers, and its feathers are rendered with impressive precision, enhancing the overall harmony between nature and mythical creatures.

The mouth of the vase is adorned with finely painted red motifs of leaves or plant patterns, arranged symmetrically around the wide, thin lip. The smooth transition from the body to the mouth demonstrates the artisan's careful attention to design and balance. The base of the vase is also beautifully decorated with red floral and plant motifs. These detailed illustrations are consistent with the overall theme of the vase and create a unified aesthetic. The motifs of the dragon and mythical creature frequently appear in early Qing dynasty red-glazed works, which often emulated the style of the Ming dynasty.

This piece was excavated from the seabed, as evidenced by the shrinkage and cracking of the unglazed central carvings of dragon and mythical creature. Under microscopic examination, the surface reveals signs of bubble dissipation, which can also be observed in the photo. The base of the piece is unglazed and remains in clean condition, with slight traces of marine organisms still visible, indicating its time underwater. Although the piece was soaked in hot water to remove salt at the time of acquisition, slight salt residue remains on the surface.

Period : Qing Dynasty(Presumably Kangxi or Yongzheng Period)
Type : Yuhuchunping
Medium : Red-glazed
Height : 50.0 cm
Condition : Excellent(slight salt residue remains on the surface, and the glaze is worn primarily around the edges, such as the handles and rim.)
Provenance: Southeast Asia, South China Sea in early 2000s
Reference : The MET - Accession Number: 24.80.258 - Vase with Dragon
(Type : related)
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/42366

* Yuan-Ming Style from Qing Dynasty

During the Qing dynasty, many ceramics were produced that imitated the styles of the Ming and Yuan dynasties. This practice was not mere imitation but a creative endeavor to inherit and innovate upon past techniques and styles. Qing dynasty ceramicists mastered the exceptional techniques of Ming and Yuan ceramics and used them as a foundation to develop more advanced works. Particularly, Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain and Ming dynasty colored ceramics significantly influenced Qing ceramics, with traditional patterns and forms deeply embedded in their creations.

Yuan-Ming prototypes were produced to meet the demand for ancient antiques from overseas. Qing dynasty artisans incorporated traditional elements while introducing innovative designs and techniques, producing unique and artistic ceramics. Thus, Qing ceramics are highly regarded for their respect for Ming and Yuan legacies while simultaneously creating new artistic expressions. This not only reinforced cultural authenticity but also played a crucial role in international trade and cultural exchanges.