The dragon (long in Chinese) is the most recognizable mythical creature in Chinese art. Portrayed as a majestic, serpentine being with sinuous scales, the Chinese dragon is distinctively adorned with antler-like horns, fiery whiskers, and four powerful claws. The dragon symbolizes auspicious strength and protection, clawing on polychrome clouds and manipulating natural powers, such as rain and lightning. The image of the dragon, therefore, symbolized Chinese imperial power since ancient times, and was commonly represented on the surface of imperial porcelain.

Chinese dragons take on different features based on the power they hold and their habitat of origin. One of the most powerful ancient dragons is yinglong. This winged dragon often appears on imperial porcelain, representing both a celestial being, and a deity associated with the rain, thus embodying a synthesis of cosmological symbolism and meteorological significance in ancient Chinese mythology. Yinglong was particularly popular during the late Ming to the Qing period, as seen on this bottle.

A mythical being shared across cultures, the dragon also appears on Chinese export porcelain. This blue and white plate features peculiar dragons with bulbous torsos (in the centre and around the rim), which differ from traditional Chinese depictions. The form is similar to the saz-style dragons in the 16^th century associated with the Ottoman court, suggesting that the porcelain plate was made for the Islamic market.

In imperial symbolism, the dragon signified the emperor, while the phoenix (feng in Chinese) embodied the empress, representing virtues and grace. Traditionally manifesting in times of peace, the depiction of the phoenix changed from the Ming to the Qing periods. Ming renditions feature a minimalist portrayal with two tails, as seen on the dish from the Wanli period. During the Qing era, the phoenix designs became more intricate, with the creature adorned with up to eight tails and flamboyant feathers.

The Qilin 麒麟 is a unique composite creature often featuring a dragon’s head, deer’s antlers, ox’s hooves, and fish’s scales. It embodies benevolence and protection as it graces porcelain with its auspicious presence. The Foo-lion is another creature encountered on Ming-Qing ceramics. It is characterized by a robust and majestic mane and symbolizes power and authority. As a guardian figure, it is typically portrayed with a fierce countenance and a poised stance.