Dimensions; 9-1/2" H x 5-1/4" Diam. The porcelain shaped into a traditional Meiping form vase, with a narrow base, wide body, slender neck easing to form a petite opening. The exterior decorated with hand painting in blue underglaze, is encapsulated in flying Dragon and Phoenix amongst ruyi cloud, Lishui water, and lotus blooms covered all belly. Since the dragon and the phoenix usually serve as auspicious symbols, any reported sightings of a dragon or phoenix were considered extremely auspicious, heralding a glorious period of peace and prosperity for the people and the country. This is reflected in the Chinese saying: "When the dragon soars and the phoenix dances, the people will enjoy happiness for years, bringing peace and tranquility to all under heaven." From references to the dragon and phoenixes in local festivals and rites to the heights of literature and fine art, they all reveal the glory of these legendary animals. Phoenix (Feng-Huang) represents exquisiteness, goodness, warmth, prosperity, peace, the Sun, abundant harvests, and reason in government. Floral lotus bloom patterns circumscribe the top and bottom collars. The foot banded with upturning lappets. Initiated conjugated marks between upper and lower parts of the vase during the kiln process can be seen from uneven surface below the shoulder. The foot rim reveals the cut edges during the making process, and the base left unglazed with grayish creme-brown ground and dark spots of firing marks. A characteristic heaped and piled effect, the underglaze cobalt blue concentrates in certain areas, bubbling through the surface of the glaze and turning a deep blue-black. This inadvertently gave texture, energy and shading to the design. The glaze stopping before the foot rim, revealed the pale-creme ground, with orange and grayish firing marks.