Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng mark and period (1723–35) Date:early 18th century Culture:China Medium:Porcelain painted with copper red under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware) Dimensions:H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm) Classification:Ceramics Credit Line:The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931 Accession Number:32.100.434 Arguably the most well-known motif in Chinese art, the dragon is a multivalent symbol imbued with many layers of meaning, including protection, happiness, and fertility. In early Chinese art the dragon was understood as a symbol of the cardinal direction east, and it has long been associated with water, particularly lakes and rivers. The dragon also signifies imperial rule, and works decorated with five-clawed dragons are known to have been produced for use at court.
Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng mark and period (1723–35) Date:early 18th century Culture:China Medium:Porcelain painted with copper red under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware) Dimensions:H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm) Classification:Ceramics Credit Line:The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931 Accession Number:32.100.434 Arguably the most well-known motif in Chinese art, the dragon is a multivalent symbol imbued with many layers of meaning, including protection, happiness, and fertility. In early Chinese art the dragon was understood as a symbol of the cardinal direction east, and it has long been associated with water, particularly lakes and rivers. The dragon also signifies imperial rule, and works decorated with five-clawed dragons are known to have been produced for use at court.