Bronze cup with cloisonné enamels, 5-claw dragons, sacred pearl, China, 19th century
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Bronze and cloisonné enamel cup with rich decoration of five-clawed dragons (symbols of the emperor) chasing the sacred pearl*, signed below, from China, from the late 19th-early 20th centuries.
This cup is in good condition and is of superb quality. Apocryphal signature on the bottom ("Made under the Ming Dynasty").
Please note: some minor damage to the partition, slight soiling and wear from time, see photos.
* A traditional representation of the dragon in the Tao is that of the sacred pearl, which it holds in its mouth, under its chin or between its claws. The sacred pearl is guarded by the dragon in a palace located at the bottom of the sea. This pearl symbolizes creation, contains wisdom and knowledge and the dragon holding it signifies cosmic energy and movement. It is also considered to grant all desires, which is why it is severely defended.