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Blue and White Dragon Meiping Vase

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Estimated value

$150 - $450

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Ceramics & Pottery

Era

Late 20th Century

Origin

China

Visual assessment

Photo-based interpretation · not authenticated

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BLUE AND WHITE DRAGON MEIPING VASE: IDENTIFICATION

A high-shouldered ceramic Meiping (plum vase) featuring underglaze cobalt blue decoration of a large five-clawed imperial dragon. The vessel exhibits a small, waisted neck and a body that tapers significantly toward a slightly flared base. The dragon is depicted amidst stylized clouds and above crashing waves at the foot, executed in a style referencing the Yuan or early Ming dynasties.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: Blue and White Dragon Meiping Vase, Chinese Blue and White 'Dragon' Meiping Vase, Qianlong Mark, Chinese Blue and White with Underglaze Red 'Dragon' Bottle Vase, Qianlong Mark.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

The Meiping form originated in the Tang Dynasty but reached its aesthetic peak during the Yuan (1271–1368) and Ming (1368–1644) periods as a vessel for wine. This specific decorative scheme—a vigorous five-clawed dragon—was historically reserved for imperial use. While the style mimics 14th-century

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Jingdezhen production, the 'heaped and piled' effect here appears simulated rather than resulting from the high-iron cobalt characteristic of the period.

SCARCITY

Ordinary · 3/10 estimated rarity

This is a qualitative collection score, not a measured survival count, market percentile or proof of authenticity.

Visual assessment

Photographs alone cannot establish authenticity. The following analysis notes have not been independently verified; references to a match or confirmation are interpretations, not documentary evidence.

  • Artificial staining and 'faked' aging on the unglazed footrim
  • Mechanical precision of the waves compared to freehand Yuan Dynasty brushwork
  • Simulated iron-spots in the cobalt lack the dimensional depth of authentic 14th century smalt
What photo analysis can and cannot establish

ANALYSIS NOTES

AI-assisted notes based on the photographs and supplied context. These are interpretations, not an examination by a human specialist or proof of authenticity.

The identification of the vessel as a modern reproduction is based on clear visual indicators of artificial aging on the base, which is a common industrial practice for decorative 'archaic' wares.

OBSERVATIONS & INTERPRETATIONS

  • 1The footrim shows characteristic 'artificial oxidation' staining intended to mimic centuries of burial.
  • 2The cobalt blue sits flatly beneath the glaze, lacking the 'orange peel' texture found in genuine early Ming examples.
  • 3Glaze pooling at the base of the neck is too uniform, suggesting modern dipping techniques.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The base paste appears overly gray/brown in a way that suggests a wash of dirt rather than natural porcelain aging.
  • •Dragon scales exhibit a repetitive, stamped-like quality atypical of high-tier hand-painted antiquities.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Inspect the interior with a flashlight to look for horizontal throwing rings versus modern mold lines.
  • →Perform a UV light test on the base to see if the staining fluoresces differently than the ceramic body.
  • →Conduct a 'tap test' to check the resonance; high-fired porcelain should produce a metallic ring.

Condition & estimated grade

A visual condition estimate. This is not a professional grading certificate.

Grading breakdown

Visual evidence of the base suggests a decorative reproduction rather than an antique, precluding standard numismatic or philatelic grade scales.

Condition

Glaze remains intact without visible crazing or hairlines; however, the base exhibits deliberate staining and 'kiln dirt' often applied to modern reproductions to suggest age.

Weight & feel

Likely substantial and bottom-heavy, weighing approximately 2.5 to 3.5 kg based on standard wall thickness for this profile.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$150 - $450

Estimate recorded: May 11, 2026

Estimate context (not a documented sale): Similar high-quality decorative reproductions sell frequently on platforms like eBay and at regional auctions for $200-$500 depending on height.

Who buys this

Primarily sought by interior decorators and casual collectors looking for a classic Chinoiserie aesthetic without the million-dollar price tag of a Yuan original.

What increases value

  • •Large scale and visual presence
  • •Popularity of the dragon motif
  • •Quality of the brushwork (even if modern)

What lowers value

  • •Identification as a modern copy significantly caps value
  • •Hidden cracks or repairs detected by professional inspection
  • •Lack of a reign mark

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Genuinely aged cobalt 'blooming' into the glaze
  • •Translucent white porcelain body when held to light
  • •Asymmetrical, spirited brushwork of a master painter

Grade & condition

Evaluation centers on glaze clarity, thickness of the porcelain body, and the accuracy of the historical style replication.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandModerate liquidity
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For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

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