Vase with dragons
Yongzheng reign (1723-35)
Porcelain, painted before glazing and enamelled
Museum no. C.995-1910
George Salting Bequest
This vase was probably made for the Chinese imperial court. Its most vivid feature is the yellow enamel. This was painted onto the fired pot and then refired at a low temperature to fuse it to the glaze.
Two-stage firing proved a crucial innovation. It greatly increased the colour range for decoration and made painting on porcelain in multiple colours possible.