Chinese "Dragon" Coiled Porcelain Vase

Item Description & Information

A captivating Chinese famille rose porcelain vase from the Republic period (circa 1912–1949) with playful flair and exquisite detail.

This elegant, elongated baluster form features a graceful slender neck rising from a generously rounded body, tapering to a narrow gilt-edged rim. The soft lilac-pink (lavender-rose) enamel ground glows with subtle opalescence, delicately textured throughout with an incised pattern of swirling floral scrolls or anemone-like motifs that catch the light for added tactile depth and sophistication.

Vibrant overglaze famille rose enamels bring the surface to life: a charming scattering of colourful butterflies in iridescent shades. Each wing is rendered with naturalistic gradients, fine veining, antennae, and delicate bodies—evoking themes of joy, transformation, and eternal beauty beloved in Chinese decorative arts.

Adding sculptural drama is a high-relief applied dragon (or chi-dragon in playful, gecko-like guise), coiled sinuously around the neck and shoulder in pale turquoise-blue enamel with dotted scales and speckled texture. Its clawed feet grip the vase dynamically, open mouth revealing tiny teeth, bulging green-pupiled eyes, and a curling tail—imparting lively movement and a touch of auspicious protection without the solemnity of imperial examples.

The base of the vase bears a blue character mark/seal.

Measurements: H: 32 cm (14 Inches).

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