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About this work
The five-clawed dragon was a motif associated with the Chinese emperor. By the Qing dynasty, robes embroidered with the five-clawed dragon became an important part of the emperor’s regalia. Because of its auspicious associations, the dragon frequently appeared on objects intended for use at the imperial court. By the sixteenth century, dragons were freely used as motifs on objects intended for public consumption, provided the dragon had only four claws – the five-clawed version was reserved for court use. The dragons on the exterior of this tea bowl each sport with a flaming pearl, a Buddhist emblem of wisdom.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, south-east China, China
Inscription
painted in brush and blue ink on base (in Chinese characters) c.: (mark of Daoguang period)
Accession Number
2051-D3
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
With everted rim; interior with five clawed dragon and cloud scrolls on blue ground medallion; exterior with two five clawed dragons, flaming pearls and cloud scrolls on blue ground, double lotus petal foot band.