Republic‑Period Chinese Relief Dragon Vase (C. 1920s–1930s)
Aberdeen , United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Excellent
Material
Porcelain
Style
Art Deco
Product Details
Description
A beautifully preserved Republic‑period Chinese porcelain vase, dating to around the 1920s–1930s. This striking piece features a richly coloured red overglaze, a finely moulded dragon in high relief, and a well‑rendered Daoist figure — all executed with a level of detail and craftsmanship that sets it apart from more common export examples of the era.
The vase has remained in the same family for three generations, adding a reassuring sense of continuity and provenance.
Description:
This elegant 16 cm vase is formed from smooth white porcelain, overpainted with a deep, expressive red glaze applied in confident, sweeping brushstrokes. The central motif is a moulded high‑relief dragon, not applied separately but formed as part of the vase body — a hallmark of higher‑quality Republic‑period workshop production.
The dragon is richly decorated with:
- Bright, reflective gold enamel
- White enamel detailing representing the scales and plates of the body
- Finely painted facial features and claws
- Crisp modelling that gives the creature a sense of movement and vitality
Behind the dragon stands a gold‑painted Daoist figure, complete with a softly glowing halo and a staff. The figure is unusually well defined for a vase of this type, with clear facial features and carefully rendered robes.
The combination of high‑relief modelling and rich overglaze enamel gives the vase a strong visual presence despite its modest height.
The vase has balanced proportions, a well‑shaped neck and foot, and a smooth, even porcelain body — all indicators of a more refined workshop piece.
Markings:
The base carries a clear, sharply stamped red seal mark, consisting of a circular emblem above two vertical lines of Chinese characters. This type of mark is characteristic of early‑20th‑century Jingdezhen commercial studios, used during the Republic period for higher‑quality export porcelain.
Condition:
The vase is in excellent vintage condition.
The gold enamel remains bright and lustrous, catching the light beautifully. The relief modelling is crisp, and the red glaze retains its depth and richness.
The only minor flaw is the loss of two small white enamel dot on the dragon’s body — a normal age‑related imperfection on hand‑applied detailing and not visually distracting.
No cracks, chips, or structural issues.
Sold as seen.
Dimensions:
Height: approx. 16 cm
Width: approx. 10 cm
Ideal for:
- Collectors of early‑20th‑century Chinese porcelain
- Interiors with Asian, Art Deco, or eclectic styling
- Display cabinets, shelves, and curated vignette arrangements
-Anyone seeking a refined, characterful decorative piece with genuine period charm and long family provenance
Wear Condition
Excellent
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
This item will be delivered by Vinterior's delivery partner, Proovia. Find out more about Proovia and delivery at Vinterior here.
Made to Last
The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
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Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
