A porcelain "Dragon" bianhu vase, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795)

A Moonflask vase, named "Bianhu" (扁壶), with chi-shaped ears (螭), made of underglaze glazed porcelain with a six-character Qianlong mark seal "大清乾隆年制" (Dà qīng qiánlóng nián zhì) in blue underglaze in the center of the base. The main decoration depicts a large dragon (龙) in copper-hued red, surrounded by clouds and standing on rushing water in blue-on-white enamel. 

Perfectly crafted with a flattened profile and a round front body that sits between a flaring base and a short, narrow neck, which ends with an open, circular rim. On either side and on the shoulders, as handles, are two figures of mythological 'chi' animals enameled in blue. The lower part of the mouth is surrounded by a border of ruyi clouds. The neck is covered by a bat in clouds that repeats around the body, surrounding the large central dragon. The clouds intertwine to create depth. In the center, the ferocious dragon extends its limbs, opens its five-fingered sharp claws and, with a vigorous thrust, holds its slender body in a sinuous position around a flaming pearl. The head is depicted forward with a fierce expression, piercing blue eyes, horns and a long mane. Just below it is a raging sea from which a smaller dragon (苍龙教子) rises. On the foot is a decorative border of leaves.

Porcelain manufacture during the Qianlong period is the most refined in terms of raw materials, craftsmanship and techniques. At this time, the antique was championed as well as innovation and advances in new techniques. The copper oxide-based red underglaze can exist alone, or, combined with blue and white, it is called "青花釉里红" (red underglaze blue and white). The combination of these two techniques combines the characteristics of elegance, tranquillity and stability of blue and white with the magnificence of red. In order to achieve this excellent decorative effect, the manufacturing process is more complicated.

Height: 26 cm; Mouth diameter: 6.20 cm; Base diameter: 8.80 x 6.20 cm.

Provenance: European private collection.