Large bronze and cloisonné “Dragons” centerpiece, Qing dynasty

Centerpiece with an oblong hexagonal body, adorned with a rich cloisonné enamel that shows, on the inside, the scene of a pond with sinuous waves, full of fish of various types, crabs, frogs, algae and water lilies, among others. The scene is framed by a thin band of geometric motifs in gold on a deep blue background. The exterior of the vessel shows the traditional intertwined scrolls and large lotuses in bloom, accompanied by elongated cartouches of cut profile that house archaic motifs inside. 

The center is elevated by two fierce bronze dragons that are arranged facing each other, with open jaws, gazing straight ahead, and elongated bodies coiled at the bottom, and whose hind claws form the four feet on which the piece is supported. Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912).

Size: 30 x 34.5 x 73.5 cm

Weight: 9782 g

Provenance: 

· Spanish private collection

References: 

- Christie's: EUROPEAN NOBLE & PRIVATE COLLECTIONS INCLUDING FINE TAPESTRIES, (2 Oct. 2013), Lot 68.