Preliminary identification

Chinese Famille Verte 'Dragon and Waves' Porcelain Bowl

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

An eye-catching Chinese porcelain bowl decorated with dynamic, multi-colored dragons leaping through stylized green waves. The exterior features a vibrant palette of enamels, a pink key-fret border at the foot, and a pale celadon-glazed interior, finished with a gilded rim.

Story

For centuries, the dragon was the ultimate symbol of imperial power in China, controlling the water, rain, and winds. This bowl captures that elemental drama, showing the mythical beasts riding turbulent waves that represent the unpredictable currents of life.

Maker / Origin

While bearing a Qianlong apocryphal seal mark on the base, this bowl was produced by skilled artisans in the late Qing or early Republic period. During this era, private kilns in Jingdezhen specialized in high-quality revivals of classic imperial designs to meet booming global demand.

Condition & Value

The bowl shows some visible wear, including minor loss to the gilding on the rim and noticeable glaze flaking/scratches on the pink enamel band around the foot ring. The interior glaze appears clean with minor firing specks. These condition issues reduce the value by approximately 30-40% compared to a pristine example.

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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.