Extra Large Blue & White Dragon Bottle Vase

Inspired by one of the finest surviving examples of early Ming porcelain, this large elegant blue and white tianqiuping (globular bottle) vase is a larger than life reproduction of the celebrated Yongle period (1403–1424) original in the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics, affectionately known as the "Mona Lisa of the Princessehof."

The vase is decorated with a powerful dragon coiling amongst swirling clouds, a timeless symbol of strength, wisdom, prosperity and imperial authority in Chinese culture. Traditionally believed to control the waters, rain and storms, the dragon was regarded as a benevolent force capable of bringing good fortune and abundance. The dynamic composition and finely painted scales reflect the exceptional artistry that made early Ming blue and white porcelain famous throughout the world.

Each vase is individually thrown on the potter's wheel and hand-painted by skilled artisans in Jingdezhen, China's historic porcelain capital. Using traditional cobalt blue underglaze techniques that have been refined over centuries, every piece is carefully glazed and high-fired to produce the brilliant white porcelain body and rich sapphire-blue decoration for which Jingdezhen is renowned.

A striking decorative statement, this vase combines one of China's most iconic porcelain forms with a design inspired by one of the world's most admired examples of early blue and white ceramics.

• Origin: Jingdezhen, China
• Date: Contemporary
• Materials: Hand-painted porcelain
• Features: Blue and white tianqiuping bottle vase; inspired by a Yongle (1403–1424) original in the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics; hand thrown and hand painted using traditional underglaze cobalt techniques
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: W53 x D53 x H73 cm
• Weight: 32.5kg