Ming period Chinese blue and white porcelain jar. The underglazed bulbous body, decorated with hand-painting in cobalt blue underglaze with dragon in pursuit of flaming pearl amidst flames and clouds. The geometrical pattern and floral motifs banded to the neck, shoulder and foot. Initialed uneven surface of conjugated body marks during kiln process can be seen on central belly.
The jar boasts several standout features. The dragon painted on it is particularly dynamic, and the fact that it looks backwards rather than forwards, as was more typical, makes it a rarity. Additional details, such as the spikes at the dragon’s elbows, had not previously been seen on Chinese porcelain. XuanDe-era pieces were finished in a rich glaze, which made them especially striking, and particularly notable on this piece is the expert application of dark and light blue tones, generally seen on bowls or dishes of the time, but rare for larger pieces.
The addition of a four-character mark, and not the more common six-character mark, further underscores the jar’s uniqueness, indicating that it was created, perhaps as part of a set, for a special occasion.
The sheer size of the jar, the strength and power of the dragon, with its bulging eyes and strong jaw, and the quality of the cobalt used all combine to make this piece exceptional.
The underside left unglazed, revealed the pale-creme ground with grayish and darker spotted firing marks, with edge-cut foot rim.


Dimension: 16" H x 15"Diam.

Over all in EXCELLENT condition.

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