Meiping “White Dragon” vase with yōulǐhóng glaze, Yuan dynasty

Meiping “White Dragon” vase with yōulǐhóng glaze, Yuan dynastyA meiping-type vase, finely turned in porcelain with a tall body, broad shoulders and a short, slightly flaring neck. The piece is glazed using the complex yōulǐhóng (釉里红) technique of applying copper oxide under a layer of transparent glaze. This technique, which is extremely difficult to control, was a key innovation in imperial kilns during the 13th century, characterised by its chromatic instability and the complexity of its firing in a reducing atmosphere. The glaze exhibits a richness of tone ranging from brick-red to purplish-pink, with olive-coloured streaks resulting from chemical reactions of the copper in the kiln.

Against this dynamic background, a majestic white dragon with three claws, modelled in relief, snakes dynamically around the body of the vase, amidst incandescent clouds. The figure of the dragon, a symbol of strength and control over the elements, suggests its possible use by nobility or for ritual commissions. The dragon, although not imperial, maintains a detailed treatment: well-defined scales, facial expressiveness and an enveloping disposition. The mythological creature, a symbol of power, sovereignty and auspiciousness, contrasts with the copper-red underglaze background, which has been applied with great skill.

The glaze shows irregular veining and marbling effects, characteristic of the artisanal control of the flow of copper during reduction firing, a technique pioneered by Jingdezhen. The unglazed base shows circular lathe marks and traces of kiln sand. Extraction points for thermoluminescent analysis are visible around the perimeter of the foot, without affecting its aesthetic integrity. According to the scientific authentication certificate issued by Oxford Authentication Ltd (code P114A84), the thermoluminescent analysis determined an approximate age of between 600 and 1000 years, placing the piece in the Yuan period. Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368)

Height: 42.5 cm; Mouth diameter: 5.85 cm; Base diameter: 14 cm

Provenance:

- European private Collection

Catalog note: 

- Attached certificate issued by Oxford Authentication Ltd (code P114A84).

Refereces: 

· Yangzhou Museum. Clear blue glazed meiping vase with white dragon design. Yuan Dinasty

· Guimet Museum. Meiping vase glazed in ble with a white dragon pattern. 

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