Blue Beast on Clouds

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome leaping beast is the right-hand piece of a set of three, answering the left one across the space. Its horse-like body is covered in blue scales, white mane and tail-flames curling at neck and tail; the dragon head turns high, orange antlers swept back, and one long whisker reaches up to the left to bear a painted golden gourd on a wisp of cloud. Forelegs lift and hind legs push off the clouds, an orange-gold harness crossing the chest, while red-orange ribbons loop from its back in great curves, like the trail of its own run. Below is a sea of pale swirling cloud, and through it runs a small blue beast, head up and mouth open in a grin. The group stands on a deep red-brown rectangular plinth carved with lotus and cloud scrolls. Blue against red, all motion — made to be placed as a pair with its left-hand mate, flanking a hall or doorway, setting the tone before anything else.