Description: Qing Dynasty Blue Underglazed White Porcelain Imperial Meiping Vase W/Nine Dragons Motif & Qianlong Reign Mark - This stunning meiping vase is of typical form, with a narrow mouth and small neck resting on high, broad shoulders, and a tall body tapering off to a shallow ring foot. The vase is elaborately decorated in a vivid cobalt blue underglaze with a nine dragon motif against a heavily decorated background of cloud and smoke wisps. The base is decorated with stylized crashing waves and the neck with floral details against a background of waves. The neck also bears the six character Qianlong reign mark in underglazed blue centered inside a key fret border. The number 9 is of extreme significance in Southeast Asian culture, and represents the number of heaven and is often associated with dragons. Because nine was considered the number of the emperor, only the most senior officials were allowed to wear nine dragons on their robes, and then only with the robe completely covered with surcoats. Lower-ranking officials had eight or five dragons on their robes, again covered with surcoats, and even the emperor himself wore his dragon robe with one of its nine dragons hidden from view. The vase depicts the nine sons of the dragon who are the mythological sons of the Dragon King. The dragons have five claws, as pieces made for nobility were depicted with five claws while pieces made for the public depicted the dragons with four claws or less. This piece comes from the estate of a Vietnamese Royal Family (the family now lives in the United States, and wishes to remain private as they still have relatives living in Vietnam). Measurements: 25"H x 16"W.