Carved Dragon Motifs under Celadon Glaze: Instrumental Color and Microscopic Authentication of a Qianlong Period Vase

Author:
Prof. Nona Dronova, D.Sc.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4867-9074

Abstract

This study examines a porcelain vase with a carved dragon motif beneath a celadon glaze, attributed to the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen during the Qianlong reign (1736–1795). The vase (height 42 cm) was analyzed through instrumental colorimetry (RGB, HSV, CIE L*a*b*) and microscopic imaging. Results confirm the jade-like bluish-green hue and crystalline glaze structure typical of Qing imperial celadons. Comparative analysis with museum collections (Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Palace Museum, Palace Museum Beijing) and auction references (Sotheby’s, Christie’s) further supports the authenticity of this piece.

Introduction

Celadon wares with carved decoration have a long tradition in Chinese ceramics, from the Song dynasty’s Yaozhou and Longquan kilns to the highly refined productions of Jingdezhen during the Qing dynasty. Under the Qianlong emperor, carved celadon vases became a hallmark of imperial taste, combining archaistic motifs with technical perfection. The vase under study exemplifies this category, displaying a four-clawed dragon in low relief under a translucent green glaze.

Authentication of Qing celadons requires a multi-parameter approach: stylistic study, instrumental color analysis, microscopic examination, and comparison with securely dated analogues.

Materials and Methods

Object description

• Height: 42 cm

• Form: baluster vase with flared mouth

• Decoration: carved dragon motif beneath celadon glaze

• Mark: underglaze blue six-character seal mark Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi

• Condition: excellent, no restorations, uniform glaze coverage

Instrumental color analysis

• RGB: (122, 141, 115)

• HSV: Hue ≈ 104°, Saturation ≈ 18%, Value ≈ 55%

• CIE L*a*b*: L* = 56.5, a* = –12.0, b* = +11.6

The hue falls within the “jade-like” celadon range defined by Longquan and Jingdezhen celadons (Hou et al., 2021). The negative a* and small positive b* values are characteristic of pale bluish-green glazes achieved through reduction firing.

Microscopic imaging

High-magnification images reveal:

• Fine crystalline inclusions, consistent with fayalite/magnetite phases (Fe-silicates).

• Even distribution of crystallites across the glaze surface.

• Subtle light scattering creating a silky translucency.

• Absence of spherical bubbles or sharp edges, ruling out modern synthetic imitations.

Results

Color analysis

The measured color aligns with published values of Longquan celadon (Song–Yuan) and Qing celadon glazes (Wood, 1999; Hou et al., 2021). Compared to Longquan, the Qing glaze exhibits higher homogeneity, consistent with imperial firing control at Jingdezhen.

Microscopy

The fine crystal network mirrors those identified in Qianlong celadons studied by SEM-EDS and Raman spectroscopy (Yin, 2020; Zhao et al., 2023). The glaze matrix shows no evidence of modern firing defects or replication methods.

Carved decoration

The dragon motif is executed in shallow relief, softened by glaze pooling in recesses. This is a diagnostic feature of authentic Qing carved celadons. The motif’s proportions and detailing correspond to imperial iconography: four claws (symbolic of high rank, but below the emperor’s five-clawed dragon), cloud motifs, and dynamic composition.

Mark

The underglaze blue seal mark “大清乾隆年製” is crisply applied within a square frame, consistent with genuine Qianlong imperial marks (cf. Christie’s “Qianlong archaistic dragon vase”, Lot 122). The brushwork of strokes and cobalt diffusion confirm traditional underglaze techniques.

Discussion

The vase under study can be securely placed within the Qianlong imperial celadon corpus on the following grounds:

1. Color metrics: The instrumental data confirm a jade-like pale celadon hue, matching Qing imperial standards.

2. Microstructure: The crystalline inclusions and glassy matrix are consistent with authentic high-fired celadon, unlike modern copies.

3. Relief carving: The softness of relief edges, caused by glaze pooling, is a known diagnostic of Qing celadons and differs from sharp modern reproductions.

4. Imperial mark: The six-character seal mark is authentic in execution and cobalt quality.

5. Comparative analogues:

   • Metropolitan Museum of Art (1974.223), “Vase with dragon amid clouds”, mid-18th century.

   • National Palace Museum, Taipei, Qing celadon vases with carved dragons.

   • Sotheby’s, “Carved celadon-glazed dragon vase, Qianlong seal mark and period”.

   • Christie’s, “Celadon-glazed archaistic dragon vase, Qianlong mark and period”.

Together, these parallels and data establish strong grounds for authentication.

Conclusion

This porcelain vase exemplifies the Qianlong imperial celadon tradition: precise low-relief carving beneath a translucent jade-like glaze, combined with an authentic underglaze seal mark. Instrumental color analysis and microscopic imaging reinforce the attribution, ruling out modern imitations. Comparative evidence confirms its close relationship with documented museum and auction examples.

The vase can be considered an authentic imperial product of Jingdezhen during the Qianlong reign, museum-grade in quality and significance.

References

• Dronova, N. D. (2016). What You Need to Know About Antique Chinese Porcelain [Что надо знать о старинном китайском фарфоре]. Moscow: OOO “Tipografiya KEM”. p. 70. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16794377. ISBN 978-5-9908782-6-6.

• Hou, X., et al. (2021). Scientific analysis of Longquan celadon glazes by XRF, XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS. Journal of Archaeological Science.

• Wood, N. (1999). Chinese Glazes: Their Origins, Chemistry and Recreation. London: A&C Black.

• Yin, W. (2020). Microstructural study of Qing dynasty celadon glazes. Ceramics International.

• Zhao, Y., et al. (2023). Iron valence and color formation in Qing celadons: a synchrotron XANES study. Materials Characterization.

• Metropolitan Museum of Art. Accession 1974.223. Vase with dragon amid clouds.

• Sotheby’s Auction Catalogue. Carved celadon-glazed dragon vase, Qianlong seal mark and period.

• Christie’s Auction Catalogue. Celadon-glazed archaistic dragon vase, Qianlong mark and period.