Vase with Tiger and Dragon

Confrontations between tigers and dragons appear on a variety of blue and white porcelain types to represent complimentary opposites. This tall baluster vase is carved and painted with a dragon flying overhead in the scrolling clouds looking back at a tiger on the ground. The tiger and dragon act as Taoist symbols for Yin and Yang, the tiger ruler of the arid land and the dragon lord of the skies, seas, and bringer of rain. On the opposite side, a powerful pine tree painted in brown is rooted to a celadon painted rock with maroon fungi. Blades of grass jut out, painted in blue. A low relief carving forms the clouds that hide the flying four clawed dragon.