This very fine, antique Chinese vase is a notable example of 19th-century late Qing dynasty porcelain, characterized by its baluster form and traditional underglaze cobalt blue decoration. Standing at approximately 44 cm (17.3 in) high, it follows a classic silhouette featuring a high-shouldered body that tapers toward a splayed foot and a waisted neck with a flared rim. The body is dominated by a powerful five-clawed dragon winding sinuously around the vessel. The dragon is set against a backdrop of ruyi-shaped clouds and flames, representing auspicious omens and the creature's celestial domain. The base of the vase typically features crashing sea waves and jagged rocks, a traditional pairing with the dragon that symbolizes the "cosmic mountain" rising from the ocean. The decoration is executed in underglaze blue, where cobalt oxide is applied by hand to the clay before firing at high temperatures. 19th-century examples often show varying tones of rich blue against a bright white or slightly creamy porcelain ground. Weight is 3505 gr. Height 44 cm. Width 22 cm. Diameter of the base is 17cm, diameter of the rim is 15cm. The vase features an almost invisible, professional restoration to the upper body, just below the rim, as shown in the photo.