明 德化窑白釉贴双螭纹瓷水盂

高8.6cm，口径11.8cm，底径12.7cm

明代德化窑烧成了富有地方特色的象牙白，胎质细白，釉色光润明亮。直口，扁腹，圈足。颈部、腹部以云雷纹为地堆塑有一大一小两条螭龙，龙首相对而视，一高一低，以大携小，寓以父母对子女的教育，即“教子升天”，通过大龙呼唤小龙升天来借喻父母望子成龙的愿望。螭纹是中国传统吉祥图案，最早见于商周时期，明代之后常以大小组合的形式出现在宗族祠堂及日用家具的装饰中。

Ivory-White Water Vessel with Applied Chilong Dragons, Dehua Kiln

Ming Dynasty (ca. 1368–1644 CE)

This vessel stands 8.6 cm high, with a mouth diameter of 11.8 cm and a base diameter of 12.7 cm.

It has a straight rim, a flattened body, and a ring foot. Dehua kilns of the Ming period are known for producing a distinctive ivory-white glaze. The body is fine and dense, and the glaze is smooth and lustrous. Two chilong dragons are applied in relief against a ground of cloud-and-thunder motifs. One is larger and positioned higher, the other smaller and lower, forming a dynamic composition. The chilong is a traditional auspicious motif in Chinese art, often associated with protection and good fortune.