The most prestigious decorative motif seen in the three-dimensional arts made for the Chinese imperial court in the Qing dynasty is the Imperial dragon - the symbol of the Son of Heaven, the Emperor himself. The Imperial dragon, a powerful creature with five claws on each foot, provides the decoration for this blue and white porcelain fish bowl. In this case there are nine dragons, and this use of the sacred number nine reinforces the imperial connection, and suggests that the piece was intended for use within the Imperial household.