Preliminary identification

Chinese Blue and White 'Rice-Grain' Dragon Plate

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

An exquisite Chinese porcelain plate featuring a central hand-painted five-clawed imperial dragon chasing a flaming pearl, surrounded by a translucent 'rice-grain' openwork border. The underside bears a six-character apocryphal Kangxi reign mark written in underglaze blue.

Story

During the late 19th century, Chinese potters looked back to the golden age of the Kangxi reign, reviving classic imperial motifs to satisfy a booming global demand for exotic, high-skill porcelain.

Maker / Origin

Crafted in Jingdezhen, the historic porcelain capital of China, where generations of specialized artisans collaborated. One master threw the clay, another carved the delicate rice-grain perforations, and a highly trained painter rendered the fierce imperial dragon.

Condition & Value

The plate appears to be in very good condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major glaze losses. There are minor firing flaws and pinholes consistent with period hand-craftsmanship. Excellent condition preserves its full decorative value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.