--- title: "Chinese Blue and White 'Dragon' Meiping Vase, Qianlong Mark | Curiosa.com" description: "A high-shouldered baluster form vase known as a 'meiping', decorated in underglaze blue with a series of five-clawed imperial dragons amidst a background of ..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Product", "name": "Chinese Blue and White 'Dragon' Meiping Vase, Qianlong Mark", "description": "A high-shouldered baluster form vase known as a 'meiping', decorated in underglaze blue with a series of five-clawed imperial dragons amidst a background of incised or faintly painted 'ocean' waves. The mouth is narrow with a short neck, leading to an expansive shoulder and tapering base. The base features a six-character seal mark (zhuanshu) of the Qianlong Emperor in underglaze blue. 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The mouth is narrow with a short neck, leading to an expansive shoulder and tapering base. The base features a six-character seal mark (zhuanshu) of the Qianlong Emperor in underglaze blue. A secondary 'A.59' inventory number is visible on the footrim, suggesting a previous collection or gallery provenance. Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: [Chinese Blue & White 'Ginger Jar' Vase, Style of Kangxi Period](https://curiosa.com/archive/ceramics/chinese-minyao-blue-and-white-shan-shui-jarlet), [Korean Buncheong-style Glazed Stoneware Jar, Joseon Dynasty Type](https://curiosa.com/archive/ceramics/provincial-stoneware-jarlet), [Chinese Famille Rose (Fencai) Decorative Plate](https://curiosa.com/archive/ceramics/chinese-famille-rose-fencai-decorative-plate). ## PRODUCTION & FIRING The 'Nine Dragon' motif reached its height of popularity during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), particularly during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796), who was known for his vast patronage of the Jingdezhen imperial kilns. This specific dragon-and-wave pattern is an archaistic reference ... The 'Nine Dragon' motif reached its height of popularity during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), particularly during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796), who was known for his vast patronage of the Jingdezhen imperial kilns. This specific dragon-and-wave pattern is an archaistic reference to earlier Ming Dynasty Yongle and Xuande prototypes. The five-clawed dragon was strictly reserved for imperial use, symbolizing the Emperor's power over the elements. Read full story ## COLLECTOR NOTES 1 A comparable Qianlong mark and period blue and white dragon meiping sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong in October 2012 for over $3.4 million USD. ## SCARCITY Scarce 80-90% Common Legendary Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces. Rarity 6/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 5 ceramics items at rarity 6 or higher. ### Typical Characteristics - Dozens per year at market - Documented provenance valued - Active collector pursuit ### AUTHENTICITY CONFIDENCE Uncertain (35% confidence) #### Confidence Factors - The 'A.59' mark may be a deceptive attempt to mimic museum inventory numbers - High prevalence of high-quality 20th-century reproductions of Qianlong imperial wares - The cobalt blue saturation lacks the depth of genuine mid-18th century examples Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions. [How does authenticity detection work?](/fake-art-detection) ## CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT Asian Art Specialist East Asian Art Expert The form and motif are classic, but the high risk of apocryphal Qianlong marks in the market necessitates a cautious confidence score without physical handling. ### KEY EVIDENCE - 1 Meiping form is consistent with late 19th-century revivals. - 2 Six-character seal mark is executed in 'zhuanshu' script, though the calligraphy is somewhat stiff. - 3 Presence of an 'A.59' collector's mark, commonly seen in old European collections but frequently forged. - 4 Five-clawed dragon iconography indicates an imperial style. ### UNCERTAINTIES - • The uniform whiteness of the footrim suggests a lack of natural oxidation expected in 250-year-old porcelain. - • The cobalt blue 'dots' intended to simulate 15th-century iron spots appear too intentional. ### WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY - → High-resolution macro photo of the footrim to check for natural wear and paste texture. - → Examination under UV light to detect potential invisible professional repairs. - → Consultation with a specialist for a physical inspection of glaze 'orange peel' texture. COLLECTOR GLOSSARY (3 terms) ## CONDITION & GRADE Excellent ### Grading breakdown No visible chips, cracks, or hairlines; glaze integrity is maintained across the shoulder and foot. ### Condition The glaze appears bright with minimal surface scratching; however, the crispness of the seal mark suggests a later Qing or early Republic period production rather than 18th-century imperial manufacture. ### Weight & feel Estimated at 2.5 to 3.5 kg; the base appears thick with a slightly gritty, unglazed footrim consistent with Jingdezhen production. ## CERAMICS MARKET VALUE $1,200 - $4,500 Updated: May 10, 2026 How we estimate value ### Who buys this Advanced collectors of Chinese ceramics and investors focusing on Qing Dynasty revivalist pieces. ### What increases value - • Clarity of the five-clawed dragon rendering - • Provenance indicated by the 'A.59' inventory number if verifiable - • Large scale if exceeding 30cm in height ### What lowers value - • Attribution as a 20th-century 'copy' rather than period imperial ware - • Undiscovered hairline cracks in the shoulder area ### What makes top-tier examples - • Translucent 'mutton fat' quality to the white porcelain body - • Fluid, spontaneous calligraphic stroke in the base mark ### Grade & condition Glaze smoothness, absence of kiln grit, and precision of the underglaze drawing. ### Rarity & demand Scarce High demand Moderate liquidity [Browse similar ceramics objects](/archive/ceramics) For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal. ## FROM THE CABINET OF [GO ](/cabinet/good0225) [ ### good0225 ](/cabinet/good0225) Wonderseeker • 1 item [View Full Cabinet](/cabinet/good0225) ### COMMENTS No comments yet. 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