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Lot Essay
This pair of jars is finely decorated with the auspicious dragon-and-phoenix motif, a classic imperial design representing the emperor and empress and symbolizing imperial authority, harmony, and prosperity. While dragon-and-phoenix decoration first became formalized within the imperial hierarchy during the Yuan dynasty, the motif achieved particular prominence under the Qing court and was employed across a wide range of imperial porcelains.
During the Qing period, dragon-and-phoenix designs are most commonly found on wucai wares, where they frequently appear on bowls and dishes. Jars decorated with this motif are comparatively rare. The present pair of jars is also particularly distinctive for being entirely decorated in iron-red enamels. A closely related Daoguang iron-red-decorated jar and cover was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 November 2013, lot 3213.
During the Qing period, dragon-and-phoenix designs are most commonly found on wucai wares, where they frequently appear on bowls and dishes. Jars decorated with this motif are comparatively rare. The present pair of jars is also particularly distinctive for being entirely decorated in iron-red enamels. A closely related Daoguang iron-red-decorated jar and cover was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 November 2013, lot 3213.