Flower pot. China, Qing dynasty, late 19th - early 20th century.

Flower pot. China, Qing dynasty, late 19th - early 20th century.
Enameled porcelain.
Measurements: 47 x 49 x 49 cm.

Chinese blue and white porcelain jardinière, decorated with imperial five-clawed dragons moving among clouds and stylized waves. The truncated cone-shaped body presents a continuous composition of great graphic strength, with finely delineated sinuous dragons, symbol of power and authority in Chinese tradition.

The lower part is decorated with a border of waves, while the upper band incorporates a cartouche with an apocryphal Ming reign mark, a frequent resource in late productions as a stylistic reference.

This type of planters were traditionally used in courtyards, halls and ceremonial spaces, housing ornamental plants, and fulfilled a double decorative and symbolic function, associated with prestige and protection of the environment.