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 inthe 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 precision of the ornament is remarkable and alternates delicate reptile scales with incised trilobed motifs thus emphasizing the twisting forms. A dorsal crest forms spikes which follow the curves of the silhouette. The dragons' joints are highlighted with elegant volutes on the arms and legs. 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 imperial workshops' virtuosity.
The brilliance of the gilt bronze, the radiance of the champlevé enamels and the harmony of proportions exemplify 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 an important variation: they bear rows of bumps on the forehead, whereas the present piece is richly decorated with champlevé enamels.