MASSIVE BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' CHARGER CHUXIU GONG ZHI SEAL...

Hammer

£18,000

MASSIVE BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' CHARGER
CHUXIU GONG ZHI SEAL MARK, GUANGXU PERIOD
painted in tones of underglaze blue to the interior with a medallion enclosing a coiled scaly five-clawed dragon writhing amidst clouds and fire in pursuit of a flaming pearl, the sides and exterior similarly decorated
63.5cm diam

NOTE: the Chuxiu Gong zhi seal mark on this charger reads 'made for the Palace of Gathered Elegance'. Built in the 18th year of Ming Emperor Yongle in 1420, the Palace was residence of concubines during the Ming and Qing Dynasty's. It was renovated to celebrate Cixi's 50th birthday in 1884, and it is likely that this group of chargers where made around that time.

PROVENANCE: Prominent Scottish collection
Acquired circa 1980s, by repute formerly of Ballnavert House, Ballnaguard, Perthshire

More Information

There are several old breaks and repaired with some areas of loss. Large stapled crack to underside.