A beautiful Chinese porcelain 9 flying dragons charger hand decorated in brilliant enamels.
Qianlong style design featuring nine five clawed imperial multi coloured dragons interspersed with mauve, pink, blue and white flowers against a striking yellow ground. Framed by ruyi and scrolled/ivy and pink and turquoise ruyi borders - all very auspicious.
Nine 5 clawed dragon are highly symbolic: nine is a divine number in Chinese tradition, the dragon is composed of nine animals.
The dragon has long been associated with benevolence and fertility as a being who brought rain to the people, and has come to symbolize strength, protection, happiness and goodness.
The imperial power first claimed the dragon as a symbol for the emperor in the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) when rulers looked to bring good fortune to their lands. As early as the Tang dynasty (618-907), the dragon motif became a symbol of power as an integral part of the emperor's robe.
Hallmarked on the underside red as shown. A very nice display piece for the home.
Vintage. Mid 20th Century
Condition is very good with some typical glaze loss and manufacturing flaws.
13 3/4" diameter x 2 3/4" tall.
4.4 pounds.