A small porcelain iron red overglaze water coup decorated with dragons set among scrolling clouds. The iron red style was developed in the Ming dynasty and in the Qing various styles were expanded. Additionally, with the continuity of the literati tradition, various objects were being produced and one was the water coup which is essential in producing ink for calligraphy. The water coup contains an inscription reading Da qing xiangfeng nian xin. (1851-1861). Size: height 2.25" diameter 2.8"