The jug has a wide opening and a curved belly that gradually narrows onto a concave bottom. It is decorated with a glazed blue and white pattern across the entire body. On the wall beneath the rim and near the foot are two circles of fine bow string patterns with an extra circle of roaring wave pattern on the bottom. On the wall of the belly are two dragons chasing each other amid clouds of fire, with one looking over its shoulder, and one ready to soar. The two creatures stare at one another intensely, baring their teeth and swinging their claws, looking bold and powerful. On the bottom, six characters, Made in the Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty, written in seal script.

This cloud dragon jug is also called Angang because it is part of the traditional stationary for royal study rooms. The five-claw dragon pattern with an air of authority is most fitting for royalty.

Similar vessel:
The Nanjing Museum also has a blue and white Seawater Cloud Dragon Jug from the Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty with similar style and patterns for reference.

For further details: Xu Hu Ping, Chinese Qing Dynasty Guan Kilns, Shanghai Culture Publishing House, 2003, 274p.

D: 21 cm