Posted 9 years ago
Pat_Fun
(43 items)
Pair of jugs 1/4 cup size has dragon hand painted blue and white porcelain they are signed not sure where they are from or what is their purpose? The shape is unusual not sure of the age
Asian tiny pair signed porcelain blue white jugs | ||
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Hi, don't know for age... But these are Chisese porcelain bird feeders!
Used in tiny bamboo cages, with singer birds the Chinese carried with them for their enjoyment :-)
modern exemple:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Chinese-wood-bamboo-bird-cage-porcelain-feeder-bowls-handmade-carvings-/291598245815?hash=item43e49c1fb7:g:5gAAAOSwo0JWK~eT
Kyratango Who would of ever known? You are good So happy to know this information. Thank You so much for helping me
You're very welcome, thanks for the thanks :-)
I don't know what's it made for, but sure its much younger than you as the mark reads "Made in Jing de zheng", the porcelain capital of China.
Shrine Thank you for the mark information just one question please when you comment they are young, how young are we talking about? China is very old and I am not sure of the scale of time you are referencing by young? Thank you Pat
"Made in Jing de zheng" mark started appearing on porcelain wares during Republic era, and became wide spread after 1949. In other words, modern.
Always remember when we see a 5 toed dragon, it's a 99% chance it's export ware. The 5 toed dragon was exclusive to emperors and upper hierarchy individuals. I believe this true in the real world of China. So you either have something on one end of the scale or the other. Always the other in my case but I still enjoy it thoroughly.
Collectomaniac, I've met so many porcelain buyers telling me the same myth about 5 claw/toe dragons. There was a ruling like you stated but nobody cared since mid-19C as the central authority became weaker and weaker.
Great information Shrine it is so wonderful the meticulous record keeping with the Asian culture when you think in 1000's of years. So much to learn your expert information is most helpful for a non expert collector as myself but I adore the art of the Asian culture so beautiful
I get what your saying shrine, but I have to picture myself as a peasant in China in 1860 lets say for a moment......I need some pottery, a few jars, vessels, a planter or 2 perhaps. Would I be inclined to lavish my hut with 5 toed dragon ware? Would It be considered disrespectful or out of sorts at the time? The topic isn't important, but even today, if I where Chinese, would I want to do that? My gut feeling says I'd want 3 or 4 toed dragons in my modern day apartment. Is this really all just a myth as you say and nobodys given it a second thought since the 19th century. I'm just really curious to the point where I might try to speak with some Chinese people on the topic too. Thank-you shrine. You've got my wheels turning on the topic :). Nice vessel Pat_Fun. The shape is unusual. I wonder how it was used in practical terms.
Collectomaniac, I like your scenario in 1860, let me borrow your settings. For a Chinese peasant in 19C, the more realistic solution for pottery needs was not porcelain, but stoneware/earthenware instead. A Chinese peasant may own a few decorated porcelains but they were his important asset. That's why we found hand engravings on the bottom of Provencal porcelains often.
Chinese, specifically the porcelain makers in Jing De Zhen, were still painting 4 claw dragons on their products since mid-19. That doesn't mean they don't do 5 clawed dragon to please the buyers. Believe or not, even if in Qianlong era, when the central authority peaks its power, there were still many five clawed dragons were painted on porcelains.
The following is an example sold by Bonhams. Notice the five clawed dragon and the private marks on these 19C porcelains.
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22510/lot/8175/
Collectomaniac, the emperor o China was also known as " True Dragon, the Son of Heaven". Not like Europeans, Chinese don't believe the nobility of their royal bloodline, but the heaven. The birth of a dynasty is just the result of the favor of the heaven. Everybody could be the next emperor if he succeed. Reserve 5 clawed dragon to the imperial household is just a ruling, not a tradition nor belief.
I don't feel modern Chinese would not five clawed dragon because of the old ruling. Actually I found far more 5 clawed dragons than 3-4 clawed ones on modern crafts from China. Why make 3 or 4 if you could make 5 with no more cost?
Jingdezhen Zhi 1970 that young