A Chinese blue and white porcelain plate with an artistically positioned dragon that has four-clawed feet and is trying for the pearl of wisdom. I love his ferocious look.

The hand-potted and -painted porcelain plate has been decorated with a medium shade of cobalt. The glaze used is thick, smooth, and has a bluish tinge. The back of the plate continues the sinuous body of the dragon in the clouds. The foot is shallow, cut and rounded. It shows iron red from firing. The base is partially glazed and shows good glaze control.

The plate well has an incised mark. It was the owner’s mark of ownership.

MEASUREMENTS

7 1/8” (18.1 cm) diameter x 1 ¼” (4.4 cm) deep. Weighs 11.8 oz (325 g)

CONDITION

There are no breaks, chips, cracks, or repairs. There are kiln flaws, such as black spots; sand on the foot; and the bottom of the foot is chipped, where it was chipped off the kiln. The surface of the plate shows wear from use. The front of the plate has an incised mark to show ownership.

A great Chinese design with movement and fierceness that will add richness and substance to a display of blue and white.