Beast Riding the Clouds

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This polychrome leaping beast is the left-hand piece of a set of three. Its horse-like body is covered in dark grey-blue scales that warm to gold at the belly; the dragon head is held high, antlers swept back, whiskers and a grey-white mane streaming behind. One foreleg is raised, a red band at its fetlock, while a wisp of white cloud breathes from its muzzle, bearing a small painted golden gourd at its tip. Red-orange ribbons and flame motifs fly from its back like wind made visible. Below, a sea of pale swirling cloud forms the base, and from the clouds runs a small beast of the same kind, head up and mouth open in lively answer. The group stands on a deep red-brown rectangular plinth carved with lotus and cloud scrolls. Full of motion and good cheer — a piece to set at the principal place of a hall or shop, where it announces the room before anything else.