Page 124 - Bonham's Asian Art London November 12, 2015
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133 W † Dragons were powerful symbols in China. Symbolising the benefit
A PAIR OF MASSIVE BLUE AND WHITE ‘NINE DRAGON’ for protection, wielded by ultimate power, they were associated
FISHBOWLS with the emperor’s rule. Nine dragons, leaping amidst flames and
19th century writhing out of crashing waves, such as those depicted on these
Heavily potted, the rounded sides painted in rich tones of blue with vessels, underscored the wish for eternal generations of rulers and the
nine scaly four-clawed dragons in various attitudes leaping amidst desire that ‘all members of the Imperial family live together in eternal
flames and vaporous clouds in pursuit of flaming pearls, between harmony’. The number nine is in fact considered the highest yang or
crashing waves around the base and a keyfret band encircling the male principle number and is homophone with eternity.
flattened rim, 55.9cm (22in) high, with hardwood stands inlaid with
pink veined marble above a pierced and carved foliate frieze and
cabriole legs.
46cm (18 1/8in) high (4).
£50,000 - 70,000 CNY480,000 - 680,000
HK$590,000 - 820,000
十九世紀 青花九龍戲珠紋大缸一對
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