Dragon Lidded Jar - Blue and White Porcelain

This lidded jar carries a continuous scene of dragons among clouds, painted by hand in cobalt, two of them facing each other across a blue sphere. A band of waves runs round the foot and a key-fret border circles the neck.

Small moulded heads, left white, sit on the shoulder, and the domed lid with its broad, flat flange is crowned by a seated Foo dog glazed in deep blue. In China the dragon is an auspicious sign, linked with protection, happiness and imperial rule; museums catalogue the pairing of dragon and sphere as a dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The lion on the lid recalls the guardian lions that stood at the entrances of Buddhist temples.

Kaolin mixed with petuntse gives the jar its hard, vitrified body; high-fired, it rings clearly and carries real weight. Every new jar is painted freehand – the photographs of two jars show how the dragons shift from one to the other – and the foot rim has a deliberately aged finish.

Sold singly, although several photographs show two. Set on the hearth either side of a fireplace, a pair lets the long, scaly dragons be read from across the room.

Worldwide shipping
We work with reliable freight carriers worldwide who are experienced in transporting heavy and delicate works of art. This ensures that your order arrives safely. Shipping costs are calculated on the basis of the weight, dimensions and destination of your order. We aim for competitive rates and provide a detailed quote once the order has been confirmed.

Estimated delivery times vary depending on your location and the size of the order. Domestic shipments usually take 3-7 working days, while international deliveries can take 3-60 working days.

For shipments outside the EU, please note that import duties and taxes may apply under the rules of your country. These costs are not included in our prices and are payable by the buyer.

Warranty
We aim for the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in our bronze sculptures. All our products carry a 24-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and care. This warranty covers any problems that arise during this period; we will repair or replace the product free of charge. For warranty questions, please contact our customer service.