About this work
Dragons have featured prominently in European and Asian cultures throughout history, yet their symbolism is markedly different. In Asia dragons are particularly associated with China and are traditionally benevolent in nature, while European dragons are regarded as evil and destructive. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Chinese dragons and phoenixes became popular ornamental devices on European decorative arts, particularly ceramics. Burmantofts’ principal designer Victor Kremer was known for his extravagant work in majolica (colourful lead-glazed earthenwares), in particular his designs for vases with modelled lizards and dragons.