Blue and White Meiping Vase - Dragon

This blue and white vase takes the meiping form – a broad, high shoulder tapering to a slightly flared foot, with a short neck and a small mouth – and is painted by hand with a dragon among stylised clouds.

The dragon's horned head and open jaws face forward, while its long, scaly body wraps round the shoulder with claws splayed. The glaze has a soft, pale greenish cast, with small brown specks and faint throwing rings that belong to the classic finish.

Meiping means 'plum-blossom vase', and the V&A catalogues one Yuan example as a jar originally made for storing alcohol. In China the dragon is a sign of happiness, long associated with water, lakes and rivers.

The kaolin-and-petuntse body comes out of a high firing as hard porcelain with a clear ring; each new vase is painted freehand, so the dragons differ from piece to piece, as the photographs of two vases show. Sold singly, it suits a wall niche, where the curve of the shoulder shows best against a plain background, or holds one branch in its narrow mouth.

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.