Tiered box composed of three layers with dragon en precious objects c. 1680 - 1720

This tiered box, created anonymously, features three distinct layers adorned with a dragon and precious objects. The use of blue against a white ground, a common choice in porcelain, creates a visual harmony, yet the composition is anything but simple. The cylindrical form is broken into horizontal bands, a structured segmentation that invites the eye to travel around and up. The painted motifs, rendered in fluid brushstrokes, introduce an element of chance and human imperfection, softening the rigidity of the form. The dragon motif, a potent symbol in many cultures, appears here in stylized form alongside abstract shapes suggesting clouds. The function of the piece as a container is almost secondary to its aesthetic presentation. The stacking of layers transforms a utilitarian object into a sculptural one. This elevated status encourages us to consider not just its functionality but also its cultural and symbolic meanings. The box becomes a carrier of ideas, a testament to the enduring power of form and symbol in art.