Glazed ceramic ‘Dragons’ vase, Yuan dynasty

A modelled ceramic vessel with a narrow circular foot, curved profile and broad shoulders on which rests a narrow neck with a flat rim. It is covered on the outside with white and underglaze-blue glazes that depict four decorative borders. The first two are arranged on the neck and shoulders, and show a succession of vegetal elements, leaves, winding branches and chrysanthemums in flower. The third, larger border is on the belly, where fierce, elongated, three-clawed dragons with scaled bodies and sharp fangs can be seen flying over a sea of curling clouds. The last border decorates the foot of the vessel and is composed of a succession of cartouches with ruyis inside them. It shows age-related wear. Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) or later.

Height: 21 cm, Mouth diameter: 14.5 cm, Base diameter: 14 cm