A Chinese Ming porcelain meiping vase, The vase rises from a narrow base to wide shoulders and then to a very short narrow neck terminating in an applied circular rim. Four lion faces decorate the shoulders as a 5-toed dragon curves protectively around the vase?s body surrounded by flames, floral ruyi and clouds. A lappet of large stylized lotus petals garlands the base. Imperial four characters mark on collar, Ming Dynasty