Chinese Dragon Figure, 20th century

Fine Chinese porcelain figure depicting a mythological dragon, full of color and movement. This small figure was made at the end of the 20th century, probably in the 1980s. It belongs to a limited series and is especially attractive because of its great detail, its full color and its movement. The figure depicts a big-headed dragon with snake body, which swims among the sea waves. The waves break against its body creating foam. The enormous head is made with high detail and brightly colored. According to mythology, Chinese dragons consists of nine parts, all taken from different animals: oxs snout, dogs nose, catfishs moustaches, lions hair, deers antlers, fishs scales and eagles claws. Not all dragons bear all the parts though they do show most of them, as is the case of this colorful figure. Their system of symbols is complex and they usually represent the male principle or yang (which is complemented by the female principle or ying, symbolized by the Phoenix), and they are also a symbol of China as an Eastern country. This delicate figure is in perfect condition, with no broken, missing or rebuilt parts. The precision of the painting is highly remarkable: all the colors have been carefully applied on each part (claws, scales, features, waves), which are also engraved and drawn with with black paint. Overall, this small figure of a dragon shows a great movement and expressiveness, and because of its color and beauty deserves a place of honor in the smartest living room. Measurements: 130 mm length x 105 mm height.