Yuhuchunping vase; China, 20th century.

Yuhuchunping vase; China, 20th century.
Glazed porcelain.
It has marks on the base.
Measurements: 21 x 11 x 11 cm.
A yuhuchunping is a type of Chinese porcelain vase with a characteristic silhouette of globular body, thin and flared neck, and funnel-shaped mouth and base, originally used as a vessel for holy water in the Tang dynasty. In this case the piece presents a profuse ornamentation based on vegetal motifs mostly. In the body, of globular physiognomy, you can see four large white borders occupied by the figures of a dragon, two of them in green and two others in red.
In Chinese culture, the dragon is one of the most ancient and powerful symbols, considered an emblem of strength, prosperity and good fortune. Unlike Western tradition, where the dragon is usually represented as a fearsome and destructive creature, in China it is seen as a benevolent and protective being, capable of controlling the waters, rains and rivers, hence its close relationship with agricultural fertility and abundance. Associated with the emperor as a symbol of supreme power and celestial legitimacy, the dragon also embodies cosmic harmony and balance between the forces of the universe. In popular tradition, it appears as a guardian of treasures and as a bearer of wisdom, and to this day remains a central figure in celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, where it evokes renewal, vital force and the continuity of culture.