B74

Porcelain, rounded, bulbous form, painted in rouge de fer with a rampant scaly dragon chasing a flaming pearl painted in gold enamel, the base inscribed with the mark Doaguang nianzhi, ('made during the Daoguang period').

Chinese, Jingdezhen
Daoguang period, 1821-1850
Stopper: Green glass
Provenance: Sotheby's, 1975
Height: 5.5cm

This was a favourite subject during the Daoguang period, when porcelain snuff bottles were produced in great quantities at Jingdezhen. This is a fine example of enamel painting and the artist has perfectly controlled the medium.

Zodiac sign / Dragon