SECOND - Dragon Mountain Motif - Narrow Oval

This piece is a second because the print did not transfer completely. 

Narrow oval porcelain platter decorated with a dragon amidst could, mountains and waves. The mountains and waves are hand-carved into each plate using a modern mishima technique. The dragon is hand silk-screened and the whole platter dipped into a clear glaze. In the Qing Dynasty, a motif that included dragons, mountains, waves, and clouds married the heavens, earth, and sea to represent longevity and abundance.

Measures approximately 13-1/2” in length, 7-1/2” wide, and 1/2” 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.