CHINESE DAOGUANG PORCELAIN WATER POT Qing Dynasty Chilong Dragon Scholar Antique

Description

EXQUISITE ANTIQUE CHINESE PORCELAIN CHILONG WATER POT
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Mark and Period (1820-1850)
Magnificent antique Chinese scholar's porcelain water pot. Of superb square beehive form with a hand molded chilong dragon peering over the upper rim. The entirety covered with a brilliant lead green glaze, thinning along the corners and edges to add most beautiful depth to the surface. Marked on the underside with the four character impressed Daoguang seal. A rare and wonderful piece.
The Chilong is an ancient mythological creature that has appeared in Chinese literature for over two thousand years, and
is characteristically presented as a young, playful creature. Technically meaning “hornless dragon”, the term
chilong
is usually translated as “young dragon” or “baby dragon”.
Like its close relative, the mature
long
dragon, the
chilong
is an auspicious emblem that denotes high status and conveys to the viewer every good wish for success and prosperity.
This tasteful water pot is one of the finest examples of Daoguang porcelain that we have ever offered. The coloration is absolutely exquisite and quite difficult to fully capture in photographs. The depth of the glaze is sublime, and when held at just the right angle, the surface displays a splendid age related blue iridescence in the light. The piece measures just over 2 inches tall and 2.5 inches across, and would have graced the desk of a wealthy scholar or court official in the early 1800s.
A rare treasure, and an exquisite centerpiece for the most discerning connoisseur of world class Chinese antiques.
See 12 photos above left. Click on large image to enlarge and utilize zoom feature.