Chinese porcelain was not regularly imported into Europe until the 17th century and was a luxury item from the moment it was available to Westerners. Wealthy and noble patrons collected the finest specimens for display, sometimes in rooms dedicated to showing off porcelains. This beautifully painted overglaze enamel vase decorated with flowers and dragons was probably part of the Henry Clay Frick acquisition of Chinese porcelains from the J. P. Morgan Collection.