Wucai porcelain 'garlic-head' vase

Wanli mark and period, 1573 – 1619
Height: 47.3 cm | 18 5/8 in

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Four writhing five-clawed dragons in alternating green and red enamels – partly outlined in underglaze blue – decorate the main body; each pair face one another from above and below a flaming pearl, amongst scattered flowers and leaves. This vase has a pear-shaped body that stands on a circular foot rim with floral scroll; its long neck narrows as it rises to a ‘garlic-head’ mouth. A triple line band in underglaze blue bisects the design between body and neck – the latter’s main field decorated with scrolling lingzhi fungus, with the addition of various precious emblems below overlapping pendant leaves. The mouth is painted with strings of beads, precious objects and jewels – bordered top and bottom with repeating circular scrolls. The rim incorporates the six-character mark in underglaze blue, within a horizontal rectangle.

Similar examples: The Complete Collection of the Treasures of the Palace Museum – Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours, 1999 – no. 28. L'Art de L'Ancienne Chine by William Watson, Editions d'Art Lucien Mazenod, Paris, 1979 – figure 670.