红釉莲子罐

“A red-glazed lotus seed jar, adorned with a chi dragon coiling along one side of the rim, its head raised skyward, and a red bat crouched on the opposite side, as if ready to take flight. The jar stands 14 centimeters tall (from the base to the dragon’s head), with a strikingly bright red hue, a lampwick-shaped mouth, and an irregular underglaze dark pattern on one side of the body. This pattern feels slightly uneven to the touch, possibly due to uneven glazing. The base features a loach-back design, with irregular flowing glaze near the foot and a fine sandy bottom. The overall design is ancient and unadorned, with the porcelain dragon and bat exquisitely lifelike, symbolizing prosperity and the unity of realms. It resembles an official vessel. The interior is fully glazed in a rice-soup color, covered with crackles. One of the dragon’s feet is broken, indicating authentic age and not a modern imitation, though its exact era is open to interpretation. Previously owned by the descendants of the great Lai Teck of Hong Kong.”