Qing dynasty (1644-1911), impressed to the base with an apocryphal Xuande mark, raised with key design around base and rim, two well-modeled scaly chilong dragons bite and grasp onto the rim, their bodies forming the handles, their long flowing curled tails decorate the sides of the vessel, the body is patinated to a reddish chocolate-brown tone and decorated in irregular splashes of gold.

3.5 in.

The Lifelong Collection of Keith and Caroline Gray, Charlotte, NC. Keith and Caroline Gray were passionate about antiques, art, and history. Together they attended antique shows and auctions for decades – assembling a collection particularly strong on American coin silver, Asian art, historical documents, early images, and English ceramics. Both were longtime supporters of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, with Caroline serving in multiple capacities from docent to a member of the acquisitions board and trustee. Caroline translated her love of material culture into a successful career, becoming a certified property appraiser in Charlotte.

Roughness and wear to interior; scratches to underside; 0.25 in. loss to bottom of vessel; normal wear consistent with age overall.