A Chinese blanc de Chine vase with chilong around the neck, Kangxi

Code: 261103

A Chinese blanc de Chine bottle vase with compressed body and slightly flared neck dating from the Kangxi period.  The neck of the vase has a chilong dragon entwined around it.  The chilong is holding a branch in its mouth.  Height 10.5cm (4.1")

Provenance: from the collections of Bernard Watney and Anthony du Boulay, and with Watney's collection label attached.  For similar, but earlier, examples see for example the catalogue of Marchant's 2014 exhibition of Blanc de Chine.

Date: Kangxi (1662-1722)

Condition. The luting line around the widest part of the body of the vase, where the two halves of the vase were joined before firing, has opened slightly during firing and is visible aorund the body of the vase.  There is a firing crack across the body of the dragon, and glaze crazing on the body and head of the dragon.  Please see our photographs.