Two Chinese Qing Scalloped Stoneware Vases w/ Dragons

About Auction

Live

Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (205)

• Lot Description
  East Asia, China, late Qing Dynasty, ca. early 20th century CE. This captivating pair of vases, likely produced in the early 20th century with a nod to the esteemed Kangxi Period, would have made a significant statement in a temple or other prominent public setting. Their elegant scalloped bodies rise from flared feet to everted rims, providing a canvas for intricate decoration. On each side, a raised roundel serves as a focal point. One roundel teems with energy as a pair of dragons (lung) pursue a flaming pearl, a cherished Chinese symbol representing the moon and their ability to soar to the heavens. This pearl carries further significance, embodying enlightenment in Buddhism and benevolent wisdom in Chinese tradition. The other roundel offers a scene of fecundity, with a dragon amidst clouds above the sea, its presence promising vitalizing rain, while a fish swims below. Size (both the same): 11" L x 16" W x 26" H (27.9 cm x 40.6 cm x 66 cm)
  
  Adding a bold sculptural element, large raised tao-tieh (taotie) zoomorphic masks grace each side, their deeply rendered lion-like heads featuring open jaws clutching rings. A harmonious blend of yellow, amber, green, and brown glazes completes these beautiful vases.
  
  Revered as supreme beings in Chinese culture, dragons embody auspiciousness, fertility, and protective power, warding off malevolence. As potent symbols of strength, they command the very elements of water, rainfall, and floods, often appearing as decorative motifs in architecture to safeguard against fire. These mythical creatures are said to dwell in the seas, soar through the heavens, and even transform into the majestic curves of mountains on land, a transformation sometimes depicted in art.
  
  The tao-tieh, a formidable mythical creature, adorned bronzes during the Shang (1766-1046 BCE) and Zhou Dynasties (1046-256 BCE). Though envisioned as a terrifying, avaricious beast with a bestial face - a creature that reputedly devoured people and preyed on the vulnerable - the Chinese paradoxically employed its image as a potent charm against evil. It was believed to repel malevolent individuals, spirits, and malicious ogres. Some scholars also interpret the tao-tieh motif as an ancient admonition against gluttony.
  
  Numerous enchanting tales recount dragons in pursuit of the flaming pearl. One particularly charming myth tells of a humble village boy who discovered a luminous pearl and brought it home. To protect their newfound treasure from envious eyes, his mother concealed it in a jar. Days later, they were astonished to find the jar overflowing with pearls. Transferring the original pearl to another jar yielded the same miraculous result, prompting them to share their abundance with their neighbors. Despite their secrecy, word of the pearl's magic spread, attracting the envy of other villagers who sought to seize it from the boy. In a moment of panic, the boy accidentally swallowed the pearl. Its potent magic surged through him, transforming him into a magnificent dragon who then took up residence in the river near his village. Consequently, depictions of dragons with a flaming pearl are often interpreted as representing the dragon’s guardianship of this miraculous gem.
  
  Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 - 2005
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193600

  Condition

  Both are intact and excellent with patina to interiors. Nice preservation of glaze and detail.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 28.50 %