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Blue and White Dragon Meiping Vase

Blue and white ceramic Meiping vase featuring a large dragon and wave motifs, with a view of the unglazed, circular base. - view 1
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Estimated value

$150 - $450

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Era

Late 20th Century

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Authenticity

Low(15%)
9

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

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 173 ceramics items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • 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

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

How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Ceramics Historian & Kiln Specialist

Ceramics Expert

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.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 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 & GRADE

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

Updated: May 11, 2026

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.

FROM THE CABINET OF

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