Dragon Beveled Square Dish

Small beveled porcelain square dish decorated with a dragon surrounded by an inset I-Fret motif, representing infinite wealth. The dragon is hand silk-screened and dipped into a clear glaze. Discounted 20% due to a bad firing. Dragon is a little faded. 

Measures 4" long by 4" wide and 3/4" tall.

Microwave and dishwasher safe.

The Year of the Dragon holds the most gravitas among the 12 zodiac animals because the dragon is one of the most depicted and revered animals in Chinese art, history, and culture. Dragons are awe-inspiring, wild, and often benevolent creatures. Their association with protection stems from their transcendent power, a quality that became associated with the imperial family.

Dragons appearing on Ming and Qing era robes, textiles, and decorative ceramics had a coded hierarchy mapped through the number of claws on the dragon’s paw. Five claws were reserved for the highest ranking officials in the imperial court, four for lower ranks, etc.

Since the history of dragons on blue and white wares is so steeped in class division, I chose to use five claws in this year's original dragon design—opting to flatten those distinctions rather than conforming to ancient imperialistic traditions.

Year of the Dragon pottery makes a great gift for those who are born in 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, or 1928. Be sure to check birthdays in January/February to make sure they're not rabbits or snakes.