Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Blue White Charger to the 19th Century.
Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
The charger is masterfully painted in vibrant yet controlled shades of underglaze cobalt blue. The central medallion features a fierce, sinuous five-clawed dragon surging amid dynamic clouds and flaming pearls, encircled across the well by four matching pacing five-clawed dragons in furious pursuit.
Exterior & Glaze: The exterior is decorated with a continuous, delicately rendered band of flowering lotus scrolls beneath the rim. The rim is neatly bound with an even, warm chocolate-brown slip dressing (kouhong). The piece is covered overall in a brilliant, lustrous transparent glaze exhibiting a pellucid bluish undertone and soft liquid depth under natural light.
Base & Mark: The base displays a smooth glaze framing a clean six-character reign mark in underglaze blue.
Condition Report: Fine condition overall with normal, age-appropriate cabinet wear, noting a localized area of surface scuffing and minute abrasive marks across the neck and shoulder of the dragon motif. The unglazed foot rim shows a compact paste with natural, accumulated age grime. Close inspection of the cobalt design reveals authentic, dark crystalline iron spots embedded naturally within the cobalt pigment matrix, showing true depth with small dark halos and natural pitting.
Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Blue White Charger to the 19th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Fine Blue and White Five-clawed Dragon Charger Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
