Qianlong Blue-and-White Five-Dragon and Waves Meiping

In 2012, a Qianlong-period blue-and-white meiping (plum vase) ssold for approximately US$15.7 million at the time (RMB 97.75 million including buyer’s premium) at the Beijing Yingshi Autumn Auction. This Archive Edition follows the proportions and decorative arrangement of the vase sold at that auction.

The surface decoration features five distinct dragons moving through dense ruyi clouds and turbulent waves. Among them is the winged dragon (Yinglong), captured rising above crashing ocean swells. The painters utilized varied brushwork to depict each dragon in a unique posture—shown frontally, in profile, turning back, emerging from the waves, and in winged form. Their changing postures carry the eye around the broad shoulders and tapering body of the vase. Traditional plantain leaf borders frame the neck.

The piece is executed using the classic underglaze blue (Qinghua) technique. Cobalt pigment is applied directly onto the unfired Jingdezhen porcelain body, sealed under a transparent glaze, and fired at high temperature.

• Material: Jingdezhen Kaolin Clay (High-white porcelain)
• Craftsmanship: Hand-painted underglaze cobalt beneath a transparent high-fired glaze
• Motifs: Five dragons (including Yinglong), ruyi clouds, ocean waves, and plantain leaves
• Mark: Reproduced six-character Qianlong imperial seal mark
• Dimensions: H: 34.2 cm / 13.4 inch, Belly: 23.6 cm / 9.2 inch, Base: 13.2 cm / 5.1 inch
• Heritage Note: Based on the Qianlong-period blue-and-white meiping auctioned in 2012.
• Care: Fine porcelain collectible. Dust gently with a soft microfiber cloth.