A Blue-and-White 'Canglong Jiaozì' (Dragon Instructing its Offspring) Guanyin Vase with Poetic Inscription, Made by Tang Ying during the Qianlong Reign of the Qing Dynasty ，Mouth diameter: 13.1 cm; Height: 40 cm  

Tang Ying served as the Imperial Kiln Supervisor at Jingdezhen during the Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty. This vessel represents Tang Ying’s finest personal craftsmanship and is exceptionally rare.  

The vase features a flared mouth, elongated neck, full shoulders, tapered body, and slightly flared ring foot. Its form exhibits robust elegance with precise, disciplined proportions. The glaze surface is smooth and richly applied, displaying a strong glass-like luster. The porcelain body is exceptionally fine and refined.   

The exterior is decorated in cobalt blue with the scene "Canglong Jiaozì" (Aged Dragon Instructing its Offspring). The vibrant sapphire-blue pigment depicts an aged dragon surging amidst swirling clouds, lowering its head to gaze upon its offspring as it breathes forth seawater. Their eyes meet in a composition of awe-inspiring power. The dragon’s mane flows wildly, its eyes glare intensely, and its muscular body coils with dynamic force. Its five claws appear razor-sharp, creating an overwhelming aura of majesty.   

The entire scene pulses with dynamic energy, masterfully balancing tension and release to captivate the viewer. Its style is both vigorous and monumental. Despite being porcelain decoration, its artistry rivals traditional ink painting—the imagery seems to penetrate the very porcelain body with unrestrained virtuosity. Such artistic mastery is exceptionally rare in Qing dynasty porcelain.   

The reverse side bears a poetic inscription in running script blue:  

*"Soon comes the day when thunder shakes the void,  

Scales and head rouse heroes far and wide;  

Riding clouds, bearing rain, soaring a thousand miles,  

Inhales mist, exhales wind, ascending the ninth sky."* 

Seal marks: "陶" (Táo) and "钧" (Jūn).  

Lead seal: Rectangular chop reading "片月" (Slice of Moon).   

The poem originates from Tang Ying’s personal collection. The original full text reads:  

*"Soon comes the day when thunder shakes the void,  

Scales and head rouse heroes far and wide;  

Riding clouds, bearing rain, soaring a thousand miles,  

Inhales mist, exhales wind, ascending the ninth sky.  

Staff cast at Gepi—immortal power revealed,  

Dots for eyes on temple wall—artistry unconcealed;  

Waves warmed by thoughts of grace surge unconfined,  

Roaming freely across the Four Seas, heart and mind."*

 Provenance:  

Originally from my personal collection. Sold to Rao Huorong and Lin Zhengfeng in 2010. Subsequently resold to a new owner.  

Auction record: Sold by Beijing Council Auction in 2016 for **RMB 7.13 million