Page 119 - China's Renaissance in Bronze, The Robert H.CIague Collection of Later Chinese Bronzes 1100-1900

It should also be pointed out that the particular combination of
dragons and small, playful sea creatures pictured here is a feature of the
Kangxi period; Ming-dynasty examples usually surround the dragon with
a variety of larger animals of more serious demeanor, while Qianlong
examples typically eliminate the sea creatures entirely, sometimes replacing
them with additional dragons. 16 In addition, the sea creatures recall Kangxi-
period jade animals in style, their smooth surfaces lacking both the detailed
texturing of the late Ming and the fine points and sharp angles of the
Qianlong era. 17

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