Small enamelled "Dragon" dish, Xianfeng (1851 - 1861)

On the base is a six-character seal 大清咸丰年制 (made in the Xianfeng reign of the Qing dynasty) in underglaze enamel.

A small dish with two dragons facing each other in the centre, chasing a flaming pearl. Both are made in 'anhua' decoration, although one is enamelled in green and the other in aubergine on a yellow background. They are surrounded by a double circle and a border of peach branches, some with blossoms and some with fruit. On the reverse are stylised dragons and ruyi. Next to the rim and before the foot is a black circle. The dish is delicately moulded in porcelain with very thin walls. 

Any kind of incised and cut decoration that is made with a sharp tool on unfired porcelain before applying the glaze is known as 'anhua'. 

Height: 2.70 cm; Diameter: 12.20 cm; Base diameter: 7.40 cm; Weight: 73 g

Provenance: 

European private collectio