Ming Dynasty (15th–16th Century) Large Blue and White Dragon and Phoenix Motif Vase with Double Beast-Head Ring Handles

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 60 cm (23.62 in), Mouth Diameter 18.1 cm (7.13 in), 15th–16th Century Ming Dynasty，Condition & Provenance: The vase remains in overall excellent condition with a complete form. The sculpted beast-head handles and applied decorative elements are well preserved. The glaze has a soft, aged surface with natural signs of time, soil staining, and historical wear. The unglazed base shows natural wheel marks and aged ceramic texture. Provenance: Private Collection, California, USADescription: This impressive Ming dynasty blue and white vase features a monumental and elegant silhouette, with a flared mouth, tall slender neck, full rounded body, and raised spreading foot. The neck is decorated with sculpted double beast-head handles holding movable rings, creating a strong three-dimensional effect and becoming the focal point of the design. The rim is decorated with a classic key-fret pattern, while the neck features layered motifs including banana-leaf patterns and phoenixes flying among auspicious clouds. The shoulder is adorned with scrolling lotus decoration, with delicate floral vines flowing around the surface. The main body presents a powerful dragon design surrounded by clouds, with the dragon depicted in a dynamic pose featuring strong claws and an energetic composition. The lower section is decorated with crashing waves and mountain cliff motifs, while the foot is finished with lotus and geometric borders. The cobalt blue decoration is rich and expressive, creating a striking contrast against the white glaze. The bold brushwork, high-level dragon and phoenix imagery, and large presentation size reflect the refined decorative style of Ming imperial ceramics. Combining sculptural modeling and painted decoration, this vase represents a remarkable example of large-scale Chinese blue and white ceramic art with strong display presence.

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