Chinese Antique Blue Glazed Porcelain Vase with a dragon encircling around the neck – Qing Dynasty
The Dragon – symbol of life, growth and bringer of harmony, virtue, riches, fulfillment and longevity.
In Eastern art, as far as mythical creatures go, the dragon still attracts the most attention. Most likely because it is revered for its courage, inspiration, creativity and luck. Every 12 years when the Year Of The Dragon comes around there is a spike in childbirths in Asia. Images of the dragon that are highly animated attract more luck, while the expressions of character are good for creativity. The reputation of the dragon in the West is more conflicted. Alternating between a menacing beast in storytelling to featuring in heraldry symbols on coat of arms for bravery, valour and protection. The father of legendary King Arthur, had the symbol of the dragon on his crest. Wealthy families used the dragon symbol for its connection to power, treasures and fearlessness. The Welsh Dragon was used by all the Tudor sovereigns – the three kings colouring it red, while Mary and Elizabeth made it gold.
The early Chinese believed in four magical, spiritual and benevolent animals; the Dragon, the Phoenix, the Tortoise and the Unicorn. The Dragon was the most adored of all. In it’s claws it holds an enormous magical pearl, which has the power to multiply whatever it touches. The ancients believed the “pearl” symbolized the most precious treasure; Wisdom. In ancient China, only the Emperor of China was allowed to wear clothing that was embodied with Dragon designs. The phoenix was often paired with the dragon as a symbol of yin feminity to balance the yang dragon, and together they depicted imperial power.
There is a commonality of dragon myths in cultures all over the world. Almost every culture has some sort of serpentine or dragon-like creature in it; Chinese, Japanese, Native American, Aztec, Mayan, Egyptian and Greek. In China and especially in Indochina, the Indian serpent Nāga was equated with the lóng or Chinese dragon. The Aztec and Toltec serpent God Quetzalcoatl also has dragon like wings, like its equivalent in K’iche’ Maya mythology Q’uq’umatz (“feathered serpent”).
Japanese cloisonné enamel bowl with silver rims and dragon motif
Flying Cranes Antiques, NYC
Dragon teapot – Japanese satsuma
19th century
Dragon painting by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai
Tall, stately cloisonné enamel vase. Meiji Period.
Xu Ming Haute Couture Collection from the China Fashion Week, 2013
Old Hall Pottery jug, in the style of Dr Christopher Dresser, the handle modelled as a dragon, the vase painted with chrysanthemums in colours on an ivory ground.
Woolley & Wallis
Princess Tamatori steals Ryūjin’s tide jewels, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
Japan
Dragons at the Nikko Tosho gu Yomeimon, Japan
Monastery of Hohenfurth. Flying dragon at the Saint Leopold fountain
Dragon head of a racing sled, Germany
Chinese vase with circulating dragon decor
Duesseldorfer Auktionshaus
Dragon with Buddha statue
Dragon handled ewer – Abraham of Kutahya
1983
Chinese dragon statue – Museum Viharnra Sien, Thailand
Chinese Lapis Lazuli Dragon Carving
Aquamanile (water vessel used for washing hands) in the form of a dragon
Germany, 1200
Sandstone Dragon statue – art deco style, Las Vegas
Dragon at the Schaezlerpalais baroque palace in Augsburg
Terracotta Utensil Holder with Celtic Dragon motif
Dradon handled cloisonne vase – Qing Dynasty
Japanese cloisonne vase with dragon
Chasenantiques
Temple Dragon – Ormr2014
Wikipedia
“Ormr” is the Old Norse word for “Dragon”. Throughout much of the ancient world, dragons were venerated as creatures of wisdom, cunning and power. Wisdom represents the highest manifestation of spirituality, for only those at one with the cosmos can possess it. Cunning is the manifestation of mental clarity and signifies higher intelligence. Power is the force of self control and physical strength.
Palazzo della Vittoria – Turin art nouveau dragon
1925
Japan Nippon Jewel Eyed Moriage Dragon Vase
Dragon facade in Copenhagen
This dragon is the mascot of Drexel University located at 34th and Market streets in Philadelphia, USA
Japanese foil work cloisonne vase – 1860
Dragon Stoneware Jug – Martin Brothers
Laos temple dragons – Pha That Luang
Photo – Phillip Maiwald
Aztec style Dragon lamp – Royal Haeger
Hagernerd – flickr
Palazzo Della Rovere – Hall of the Demigods
Italy
photo by Sailko
Twin dragon handled Japanese Satsuma vase
Dragon statue – Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
Summer Palace – Beijing, China
Dragon sculpture at the town hall in the northern part of Marienplatz in Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Delicately carved dragon vase – The Walters Art Museum
Dragon sculpture – Grand Trianon Versailles, France
Dragon design pillar carpet – Qing Dynasty
V & A Museum
Traditional Jingdezhen Porcelain with a painting of a Dragon & Phoenix
Japanese cloisonne dragon vase
Dragon in Murnau, Germany
1322
Chinese lacquer brush pot
Pair of Rosenthal Art Deco Vases – Dragon decorated and gilded
Dragon outdoor sculpture, Ontario
Cheryl W2009 on Flickr
Dragon wall art – Avignon- Place du Palais
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1 Comment
Hi I’m from the sanctuary of truth,the biggest wooden structure all made of wood without nail. Can you please post some picture of the wooden scupture of dragon on your website?
One more thing if you have pretty time ,i would like to invite you to come here for inspection at the sanctuary of truth to see it how amazing
Best regard
Sok Bunthoeurn
Tel:+6687 689 6595
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