Style Japonism, Chinoiserie / Ref.15872

Ceremonial stand from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) in the shape of a dragon, gilt bronze, champlevé enamel

These two gilt-bronze dragons, joined at the center, most likely formed an ornamental stand designed to support a basin or a tray in a prestigious interior. Their sinuous bodies, rising in an elegant curve and ending in threatening heads adorned with champlevé enamels, combine both power and refinement. The decoration, remarkable for its precision, alternates delicate reptilian scales with incised trilobed motifs, emphasizing the twisting forms. A dorsal crest of finely chased spikes follows the curves of the silhouette, while the joints are highlighted with elegant volutes. The tails extend in line with the bodies, enhancing the elongated proportions. The five upturned claws recall the imperial dragon, an emblem reserved exclusively for the Emperor of China and his family. The detachable heads, executed with great care, display vivid polychromy: green and blue enamels on the mane, pink and white on the cheeks, black and pink on the forehead. The open jaws, enameled in red, intensify the creature’s fierce expression. The finely curved whiskers, barbels, and incised details reveal the virtuosity of the imperial workshops. Through the brilliance of the gilt bronze, the radiance of the champlevé enamels, and the harmony of its proportions, this exceptional stand exemplifies the excellence of Qianlong-period craftsmanship. Comparable models were produced in Beijing workshops during the 19th century, often for the European market. These later examples, however, can be distinguished by a notable variation: they bear bare bosses on the forehead, whereas the present piece is richly decorated with champlevé enamels.