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Chinese Iron-Red and Underglaze Blue 'Dragon' Dish, Qianlong Mark

Chinese porcelain dish with iron-red dragons and blue clouds, featuring a Qianlong seal mark on the base. - view 1
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Estimated value

$400 - $1,200

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Era

Late 19th to Mid-20th Century

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Authenticity

Uncertain(35%)
7

CHINESE IRON-RED AND UNDERGLAZE BLUE 'DRAGON' DISH, QIANLONG MARK: IDENTIFICATION

A porcelain dish featuring a central five-clawed dragon pursuing a flaming pearl, executed in iron-red enamel over underglaze blue clouds. The cavetto is decorated with two additional striding dragons among similar cloud motifs. The base bears a six-character seal script (zhuanshu) mark in underglaze blue, reading 'Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi'.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase, Han Dynasty Style Glazed Ceramic Boar Figurine, Chinese Blue and White 'Three Friends of Winter' Stem Cup, Ming Style.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

The combination of underglaze blue clouds with overglaze iron-red dragons is a classic Qing dynasty palette that reached high technical refinement during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795). While the mark indicates the Qianlong period, this specific motif of the dragon amidst 'ruyi' clouds was ...
The combination of underglaze blue clouds with overglaze iron-red dragons is a classic Qing dynasty palette that reached high technical refinement during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795). While the mark indicates the Qianlong period, this specific motif of the dragon amidst 'ruyi' clouds was produced at the Jingdezhen imperial kilns throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and frequently reproduced in the 20th century for the export and collector markets.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 101 ceramics items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • The seal mark execution appears stiff and lacks the fluid precision characteristic of genuine 18th-century imperial marks
  • High prevalence of later 19th and 20th-century 'mark and period' apocryphal reproductions
  • The stark white appearance of the porcelain body lacks the 'mutton-fat' softness of authentic Qianlong imperial paste

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

Identification of the type and mark is certain; however, the lack of tactile evidence and high-resolution footrim details makes a definitive distinction between a late 19th-century example and a high-quality 20th-century copy difficult.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Six-character Qianlong seal mark in underglaze blue (zhuanshu style)
  • 2Classic palette of iron-red enamel over underglaze blue clouds
  • 3Five-clawed dragon iconography (imperial status motif)
  • 4Standard unglazed footrim characteristic of Jingdezhen production

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Mark lacks the specific spacing and calligraphic nuance of authentic 18th-century imperial examples from Christie’s or Sotheby’s archives
  • •The blue cloud motifs appear somewhat formulaic compared to the nuanced wash found on early Qing pieces

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Magnified photo of the footrim to check for artificial aging (soot or staining)
  • →Close-up of the iron-red scales to check for enamel 'flaking' or kiln grit
  • →Weight measurement in grams to compare against known period standards

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The footrim shows characteristic shelf wear and minor discoloration. No visible fractures or 'crazing' are apparent from the provided images, though the enamel on the dragon's scales shows slight thinning in high-contact areas.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$400 - $1,200

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Standard collectors of Chinese export porcelain and interior designers looking for classic Qing-style aesthetics.

What increases value

  • •Clarity of the seal mark
  • •Vibrancy of the iron-red enamel
  • •Condition of the rim (absence of chips or 'fleabites')

What lowers value

  • •Identification as a mid-20th-century or later reproduction (drastically reduces value)
  • •Later over-painting or restoration hidden by the glaze

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Genuine Qianlong 'mark and period' attribution confirmed by provenance
  • •Presence of a 'Hebei' or 'Palace Museum' wax seal

Grade & condition

Completeness of enamel, centering of the dragon motif, and smoothness of the glaze surface.

Rarity & demand

AverageHigh demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar ceramics objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

KJ

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Wonderseeker•1 item

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