A Daoguang Green-Glazed Dragon Dish
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (1821–1850)

Finely potted and elegantly proportioned, this shallow porcelain dish is decorated in vivid emerald-green enamel with a powerful five-clawed dragon striding amidst flames and clouds. The dragon is rendered with remarkable energy and precision, its sinuous body coiling across the center of the dish while its claws grasp toward the flaming pearl, the ancient symbol of wisdom, power, and cosmic authority. The cavetto and reverse are further decorated with stylized dragons and auspicious motifs, all executed in a harmonious monochrome palette.

The underside bears a six-character underglaze-blue mark reading “Da Qing Daoguang Nian Zhi” (“Made during the Daoguang reign of the Great Qing”). Dishes of this type represent some of the finest monochrome enamel wares produced by the Qing imperial kilns. Unlike the richly colored famille rose porcelains of the period, the present example relies upon the dramatic visual contrast between brilliant green enamel and the white porcelain body, a combination requiring exceptional control during firing and decoration.

Particularly noteworthy is the quality of the dragon. Its vigorous movement, sharply defined scales, powerful claws, and expressive head reflect the continued strength of imperial porcelain design during the Daoguang period. The composition is remarkably balanced, with the dragon filling the interior space without appearing crowded, demonstrating the confidence and sophistication of Qing court aesthetics.

Monochrome green-enamel dragon wares occupied a special position within the Qing imperial decorative repertoire. Green was traditionally associated with spring, renewal, vitality, and growth, while the dragon remained the supreme emblem of imperial authority and heavenly mandate. The combination of these motifs produced objects that were both visually striking and symbolically powerful.

The present dish is especially appealing for its crisp painting, luminous enamel, elegant form, and excellent state of preservation. Combining refined potting, superb decorative execution, and a highly desirable imperial dragon design, it represents an outstanding example of Daoguang-period porcelain and a fine reflection of the enduring achievements of the Qing imperial kilns.

{H 1 3/4 x Diameter 7 1/8 inches (4.4 x 18 cm)}.

大清道光年制款 绿彩龙纹盘
清道光（1821–1850）

此盘胎质细腻洁白，器形端庄秀雅，通体以翠绿色彩绘饰纹。盘心绘五爪行龙穿行于祥云火焰之间，龙身矫健有力，鳞甲刻画细密，须发飞扬，神采飞动，呈现出强烈的动感与皇家气象。盘外壁及底部周围亦绘龙纹及吉祥纹饰，与主体纹样相互呼应，布局严谨而富于变化。

器底青花书“大清道光年制”六字款。此类绿彩龙纹器为清代官窑重要品种之一，在道光朝宫廷瓷器中占有特殊地位。与同时期流行的粉彩器相比，本器仅以单一绿色装饰，却能够取得极强的视觉效果，更能体现匠师对于构图、线条与烧造技术的掌握。

尤其值得称道的是盘心龙纹的艺术表现。整条巨龙腾挪翻转，身躯舒展，线条流畅而富于力量感。龙首昂扬，目光炯炯，利爪张扬，充分展现中国传统皇家龙纹威严庄重的精神气质。鳞片、龙鬣、火焰及祥云等细节刻画一丝不苟，反映出道光官窑绘工极高的专业水准。

绿色在中国传统文化中象征生机、繁荣与万物生长，而龙则为皇权与天命的象征。二者结合，使本器不仅具有极高的观赏价值，也蕴含丰富的吉祥寓意与宫廷文化内涵。

从现存情况来看，本盘釉面莹润，彩色鲜明，纹饰清晰，保存状态优异。无论从绘画质量、烧造工艺还是整体美感而言，均堪称道光时期绿彩官窑器中的精品之作，充分展现清代御窑厂成熟而精湛的制瓷水平。

{高4.4厘米，直径18厘米}。

Notes: This lot includes fabric covered box.

For condition report, please contact the Asian Art Department.