What is the difference between three-claw dragon, four-claw dragon and five-claw dragon porcelain?

The difference between three-claw dragon, four-claw dragon and five-claw dragon porcelain mainly lies in the different number of claws, representing different classes and status. Specifically, the five-claw dragon symbolizes royal authority, the four-claw dragon represents the status of princes and ministers, and the three-claw dragon represents folk use.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, dragon patterns were the most common decorative patterns on official kiln porcelain, and dragon patterns in different periods also had some characteristics. For example, the dragon pattern in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties is rough, with messy lines, light colors and rough filling. However, the dragon patterns in Yongle and Xuande years looked like old people, lifeless and dignified, reflecting a state of exhaustion in society at that time.

In a word, observing the number of dragons and claws on porcelain is a way to judge its age and value.