Images(16)

Jadeite Vase With Carved Dragons

AssociatedAssociated with James Cromar Watt (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)

DateQing Dynasty, 19th century

Object NameVase

Mediumjadeite

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsOverall: Height: 22 cm, Depth: 4 cm, Width: 9.5 cm

AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS024913

Keywords

About MeA tall, ovoid jadeite vase, with a widened central band adorned with a number of carved highly animated, and detailed dragons en ronde bosse which add considerable form and interest to this already organic and textural vase.

James Cromar Watt was an architect, designer, jeweller and enameller who dedicated his life to the promotion of the arts in the North East of Scotland. Born in Aberdeen in 1862, the only son of Alexander Watt, an advocate's clerk, and Ann Hardy, a schoolteacher, he trained as an architect after leaving Aberdeen Grammar School in 1878. After a series of trips to Italy he returned to Britain and was admitted to the Architectural School of the Royal Academy in London. Following his training he embarked on a tour to Greece where he became increasingly interested in ornamentation. His drawings and sketches focused less on architecture as he began to concentrate on becoming skilled in several crafts disciplines.

Watt's interest in mythical creatures was inspired by the East Asian pieces in his private collection, such as this jadeite vase.
More About Me

Collections Wall

This vase is from the collection of Scottish architect and jeweller James Cromar Watt and is a great example of the Oriental artefacts that Watt drew inspiration from.