reat matched pair of 5 toed Dragons. THe 5 toes on a ceramic piece seem to indicate a Imperial article. Could be a Kang Hsi piece but more likely late 18th Century. A beautifully painted pair the color and style is quite lively. Both are 16.5'' across and remarkably damage free. Circa 1780. The legend of the five toed dragon came from a rich and powerful landlord who had two giant dragons perched atop the perimeter wall of his mansion. When this news was brought to the attention of the imperial guards, the court ordered it to be removed, failing which the landlord will have to face the punishment of execution in public. The feudal lord sought the advise of a brave and witty advisor. His argument that the imperial dragon had five claws wheras the dragon of his master had four claws and as such they were different. The feudal landlord was finally pardoned and allowed to retain his two dragons. Since that day, dragon motifs with three claws or four claws can be use by ordinary folks. Status: For Sale Reference#: 458522 Condition: vg Year: 1780

Asian Antiques