Wine Jar with Phoenixes and Dragons

This example of a blue and white wine jar is painted in underglaze cobalt blue in three registers. The body is divided into medallions of paired male and female phoenixes framed by peony splashes. Below and above the phoenix designs are dragons chasing flaming pearls among clouds. Together the dragon and phoenix represent the Emperor and Empress and often appear on imperial porcelains. The jar is globular in shape with a slightly tapered body and short rimmed mouth painted with scrolling clouds.