hellgrüne Schale mit vielen kleinen Rissen von der Seite
© Porzellansammlung, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Foto: Paul Kuchel

In Focus: Three Rare Treasures from Imperial China

Two dynasties meet in this display of three imperial objects from the Green Vault and the Porcelain Collection. At its centre is a Ru bowl from the Song dynasty (960–1279). More than 900 years old, it is among the rarest and most precious works of Chinese ceramics, and the only example of its kind in Germany. The bowl is flanked by two other Qing-dynasty imperial treasures: a finely crafted snuff bottle from the palace workshops in Beijing and a magnificent dragon vase. Each piece embodies the aesthetics and outstanding craftsmanship of its time.

  • Dates 01/04/2026—29/06/2026
  • Opening Hours daily 10—17, Tuesday closed Good Friday, 03/04/2026 10—17 Easter Sunday, 05/04/2026 10—17 Easter Monday, 06/04/2026 10—17 additionally open, 07/04/2026 10—17
  • Admission Fees regular 18 €, reduced 13,50 €, pupils (under 20 years) 2 €, children up to school age free, groups (10 persons and more) 16 €
Book online

Ru Bowl

Imperial Ru ware is distinguished by its characteristic glaze: a softly luminous bluish celadon that sets it apart from the grey-green and olive tones of contemporary stoneware. This exceptionally well-preserved Dresden bowl served as an elegant brush washer and is one of only 89 known examples worldwide. Contemporary Korean celadons show striking affinities in both material and appearance. Another masterpiece of this fascinating ceramic tradition is currently on display in the Porcelain Collection.

hellgrüne Schale mit vielen kleinen Rissen von oben
© Porzellansammlung, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Foto: Paul Kuchel
Ru Bowl, Brush Washer, China, 1100–1125

Dragon Vase

With nine dragons soaring across the sea and sky in a brilliant spectrum of colours, this monumental vase is an exceptionally rare masterpiece of Qing imperial porcelain. Its dynamic decoration combines technical virtuosity with rich symbolism, reflecting the grandeur and authority of the emperor. Made for the court of the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1735–1796), it exemplifies the imperial imagery and artistic ambition of the period. The finely rendered seal mark on the base underscores its imperial status.

bunt bemalte Porzellanvase mit Drachenfiguren an der Seite
© Porzellansammlung, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Foto: Adrian Sauer
Dragon Vase with Imperial Seal Mark, China, 1735-1796

Snuff Bottle

The small enamel flask, dating to the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (r. 1661–1722), was only recently identified as a rare and early example of its kind. It was produced in the imperial workshops in Beijing, where artists recruited from Europe worked closely with highly skilled Chinese craftsmen to create works of the highest quality for the imperial court. This finely crafted object illustrates the artistic and technological innovations of the time and attests to the lively cultural exchange between China, Japan and Western Europe.

rundes Fläschchen mit roter und gelber Bemalung
© Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Foto: Dirk Weber
Snuff Bottle, China, 1661-1722

weitere

Further Exhibitions

Neues Grünes Gewölbe

in Residenzschloss

mehrere Vitrine mit verschiedenen goldenen Ausstellungsstücken
From 22.04.2026

Masks and Crowns. Court festival culture and representations of power

in Residenzschloss

[Translate to English:]

Historisches Grünes Gewölbe

in Residenzschloss

Blick in einen prunkvollen Raum mit Spiegeln und Ausstellungsstücken

Münzkabinett

in Residenzschloss

Münzen, Medaillen und Orden
All Exhibitions

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