Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Striding Dragon Figure with Gilt Antlers & Ring View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $345.00
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Lot # E459
System ID # 28390997
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Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Striding Dragon Figure with Gilt Antlers & Ring
A finely worked Chinese cloisonné enamel dragon, modeled striding on four clawed feet with arched scaled body, raised flame-tipped tail, and ferocious horned head clutching a gilt ring in its jaws. The body is densely enameled in oxblood red, turquoise, emerald green, and cobalt scales over a brass armature, with applied white-and-red flame scrollwork at the shoulders and haunches representing the dragon's qi. Gilt-bronze antlers, ears, fangs, claws, and dorsal spines provide sculptural contrast against the polychrome cloisons, and the underbelly is rendered in a paler green-and-pink scaled panel.
The five-clawed dragon — historically reserved for imperial use — sits at the center of Chinese symbolic life as the embodiment of power, prosperity, and benevolent authority. The form here draws on Qing-dynasty palace prototypes, with the gilt mouth-ring referencing the ancient motif of the dragon swallowing the flaming pearl of wisdom. The piece is built for display from every angle, with the same density of enamel work on the reverse as the front.
CONDITION
Excellent. No damage noted. Enamels are bright and unchipped; gilt highlights retain strong color across antlers, claws, ears, and ring.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- 11.5" L × 4.25" W × 7.5" H
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Construction: Cloisonné enamel over brass with gilt-metal accents
- Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale — Not Included
