清 青金石龍紋鼎|Tripod with dragon

Art Historical Context

This exquisite lapis lazuli tripod, in 18th-century Qing dynasty China, stands as a testament to the era's mastery of hardstone carving. Measuring just under 4 inches tall and 5 inches long, the small vessel takes the ancient ritual form of a *ding—a three-legged bronze cauldron from China's Bronze Age—but reimagined as a luxurious tabletop ornament. Its deep blue lapis lazuli, sourced from distant Afghanistan and highly prized in imperial workshops, glows with an otherworldly richness, symbolizing the heavens and imperial prestige. Adorned with intricate dragon motifs intertwined with delica...