Yuan Dynasty (14th Century) Blue and White Dragon-Decorated Vase with Double Elephant-Head Handles

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 19 cm (7.48 in), mouth diameter 4.2 cm (1.65 in), circa 14th century. Condition and Provenance: Well-preserved, showing signs of age, including natural surface aging, kiln firing characteristics, and minor wear consistent with historical use. Provenance: Private collection, New York, USA. Description: This blue and white dragon-patterned vase is 19 cm high and 4.2 cm in diameter. The vase has an elegant shape, with a flared mouth, a slender neck adorned with elephant-head-shaped handles, rounded shoulders, a full body, and a slightly flared foot, resulting in a refined and symmetrical overall profile. The vase is covered in a soft blue-white glaze, with cobalt blue decoration exhibiting subtle gray-blue tones and the natural iron spots characteristic of early blue and white porcelain. The mouth is decorated with a classic meander pattern, the neck with banana leaf and scrolling floral patterns, and a dynamic dragon amidst clouds at the center of the body. The dragon's lines are fluid, with clearly defined scales and claws, rendered with confident and expressive brushwork. The lower part of the bottle is decorated with continuous vine patterns. The exposed foot rim reveals the thick body of the porcelain, bearing traces of turning and the natural marks of time. There is no mark on the bottom. This bottle is well-proportioned, and its decorative style is simple and elegant, reflecting the exquisite style of early Chinese blue and white porcelain, often used by literati and scholars, and for decorative purposes.

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