Preliminary identification

Chinese Famille Verte 'Dragon and Pearl' Export Plate

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A vibrant porcelain decorative plate featuring a classic 'dragon chasing the flaming pearl' motif executed in the traditional Famille Verte (green family) enamel palette.

Story

For over two thousand years, the dragon has reigned as the ultimate symbol of imperial power and cosmic energy in Chinese culture. This plate depicts the dragon in its most famous pursuit: chasing the 'flaming pearl,' a celestial object representing wisdom…

Maker / Origin

While the specific artist is unnamed, this piece was produced in the kilns of Jingdezhen, the world's porcelain capital for over a millennium.

Condition & Value

The front enamels appear bright and well-preserved with no visible chips or cracks in the photos. There is some minor scuffing and shelf wear on the underside foot rim, and some dark marks on the reverse which are common for mid-century porcelain. Excellent condition on the face of the plate maintains its full decorative value.

Full Research

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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

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD