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This is a spandrel to a zitan table I own. I believe the table is 18th c., but the dragon is quite different than the 4 or 5 clawed dragons typical of the Qing period.

Can anyone help identify this dragon and perhaps provide a few examples of other depictions in porcelains, furniture, or anything else?

Thanks
Tim

These usually are called "Immature dragons" (Chilong - 螭龍), which types have bifurcated tails and undeveloped horns.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Thanks, Bill.

Once I searched under Chilong I was able to find a few examples. Still, it seems more typical to include 4 legs even with the feathered tail.

Thanks again!

A chilong, no doubt
Very interesting table that.
I'd love to see more images of it.
Are you thinking of selling it?
www.rarefurniture.org.uk

Thanks for the response.

Yes, Chilong on all spandrels. Pierced panels on each set of legs, one depicting cranes among pine, the other deer among prunus and rocks.

The table is near identical in form as one in the Beijing Palace Museum collection (see page 255 of vol. 1 of A Treasury of Ming & Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture) and there is one other in Liangyi Museum in Hong Kong, which is the private collection of Peter Fung. These are the only 3 zitan table I've been able to find in this form.

Regarding my interest in selling the table, I am interested, but I've promised Desa Goddard of Bonham's an opportunity to inspect the table.

I've had several interested buyers, but I'm having a difficult time coming up with a price, which is why I may just auction it.

Since I am exhibiting at the Miami Antique Show this coming February, I may also exhibit the piece along side some of my other pieces.

Attached photos are of my table. I composed an image of the inside/outside view of each pierced panel.

Hope you enjoy!
Tim

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