Vase with dragons

This vase belongs to a large group of carved and decorated Kangxi ware (made during the reign of the Kangxi emperor). The sides are carved with two large dragons—shown leaping upward from waves in pursuit of pearls—which are partially concealed by carved white cloud bands. Pieces like this were made both for export to the Middle East and elsewhere, and for the domestic market, though the present vase, with its exceptionally fine carving, elegant shape, and beautifully inscribed Kangxi mark on the base, must belong to the guanyao, or imperial ware, category.