[清本源 x Gohobi Gallery] Inner-Molded Double Dragon Motif · Blue-and-White Doucai with Gilding · “Golden Branch & Jade Leaf” Bell-Shaped Cup

A Fusion of Power, Elegance, and Auspicious Symbolism — A Qing Ben Yuan Creation

1. Form Selection

Also known as a “Reverent Bell Cup” or “Inverted Bell Cup”, this classic form—favored during the Ming and Qing dynasties—features an outward-flared rim, deep belly, and ring foot.

• Its delicate, compact shape offers a comfortable grip and refined elegance.

• The flowing silhouette has strong visual appeal, with graceful lines that enhance its ornamental quality.

• The deep-welled bowl concentrates aroma, making it ideal for tea tasting and aligning with traditional teaware functionality.

2. Craftsmanship Techniques

• Inner-Molded Relief:
  This ancient Jingdezhen technique, originating from Ding kilns of the Northern Song Dynasty, involves crafting a detailed internal mold before shaping the outer body.
  In this cup, the double dragon motif is rendered with sculptural precision—the muscular yet agile forms of the dragons seem to glide through clouds inside the vessel. This approach honors and revives traditional craftsmanship while offering an immersive tactile and visual experience.

• Doucai Enameling:
  The blue-and-white outlines set a classical tone, establishing a base of elegance and structure.

  • Green enamels are used to paint leaf motifs with gemstone-like clarity, imitating the translucency of jade.

  • Additional accent colors are layered to create vibrancy and depth, resulting in a richly detailed and harmoniously colored surface.

3. Motif & Composition

• Double Dragons:
  In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of strength, protection, prosperity, and divine authority.

  • One dragon is depicted looking forward with its head held high, symbolizing courage, ambition, and progress.

  • The other is shown glancing back, representing introspection, wisdom, and balance.
    The dynamic contrast between motion and stillness adds energy and meaning, turning the design into a visual metaphor for life's dual nature.

• “Golden Branch & Jade Leaf”:

  • Gold pigment outlines the branches, signifying wealth, nobility, and honor.

  • Green enamel highlights the leaves, symbolizing vitality, growth, and beauty.
    Together, the inner double dragons and outer floral motifs interweave into a cohesive narrative—balancing power with elegance, and symbolism with structure.

4. Cultural Meaning

• The double dragon motif represents the ancient reverence for dragons in Chinese culture. As guardians of harmony, they offer protection, prosperity, and good fortune. The juxtaposition of forward movement and backward reflection embodies a philosophy of life: to be brave and bold in one’s pursuit, while remaining grounded and reflective.

• The “Golden Branch & Jade Leaf” symbolizes noble lineage, auspicious living, and the flourishing of life. Its presence expresses heartfelt wishes for the user: a life of grace, abundance, and harmony.

Conclusion

This Inner-Molded Double Dragon · Blue-and-White Doucai with Gilded Floral Bell-Shaped Cup is a celebration of traditional Chinese symbolism brought to life through masterful technique. It speaks of balance—between past and present, strength and refinement, purpose and artistry.

More than a functional object, it is a vessel of philosophy, cultural heritage, and aesthetic poetry—a fitting companion for those who seek meaning in both form and use.

Dimensions: Diameter 6.4 cm, Height 4.8 cm, Capacity 80 ml.

The price listed is for one tea cup. 

Our esteemed customers are welcome to request a private viewing of the video for a more in-depth look into our exquisite tea set

Each piece is distinct and carefully crafted. As these are hand-crafted, slight variations may exist between pieces.

We aim to ship your order in reused/ recycled packaging where possible.