Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
A substantial porcelain charger decorated in underglaze cobalt blue, featuring a powerful four-clawed dragon leaping amidst stylized clouds and flames. The underside features a simple, elegant leaf mark within a double ring, a classic non-imperial mark characteristic of the Kangxi era.
Story
During the 1680s, the Kangxi Emperor banned imperial reign marks on porcelain to prevent sacred names from being discarded in the trash. Potters ingeniously pivoted, using symbols like this single artemisia leaf to mark their finest creations.
Maker / Origin
Crafted in the legendary kilns of Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of the world. The artisans here perfected the use of cobalt blue, developing a technique of tonal gradation that allowed them to 'paint' on clay as if it were silk.
Condition & Value
The charger shows several small chips and glaze losses along the rim, typical kiln grit, and minor iron spots from firing. These honest signs of age are expected for utilitarian or display porcelain of this era and reduce the value by approximately 20-30% compared to a pristine example.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.