Untitled

Unknown

early 18th century · Porcelain painted with copper red under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware) · Asian Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 18th century

Medium

Porcelain painted with copper red under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931