Vase

This vase is heavily decorated with intricately incised dragons and ocean waves,all carved through thick layers of red lacquer. The highly expressive motifs are evidence that Chinese lacquer-carving techniques in this era had reached a very sophisticated level. The scene of dragons playing over the ocean waves was a favorite motif of Qing dynasty royalty, making it likely that this vase was owned originally by a member of the Qing royal family.