This blue and white porcelain piece is a fish bowl or planter-style vessel, featuring a dynamic five-clawed dragon chasing a flaming pearl amid clouds, with a ruyi lappet border near the rim and a stylized wave or cloud band near the base. The underglaze blue decoration is typical of Chinese export wares imitating imperial motifs. The base bears the mark "草堂製" (Caotang zhi), meaning "Made at Caotang" or "Made at the Grass Hall"—a studio or hall name rather than a reign mark. Such marks were commonly used on Republican-era (1912-1949) or early People's Republic (post-1949) porcelain, often on pieces reproducing Ming or Qing styles but produced for domestic or export markets.

Estimated age: Mid-20th century, likely 1930s-1960s, from the Republic or early PRC period.Value: Similar dragon-motif fish bowls or planters in this style and condition typically sell for $50-250 on platforms like eBay, with prices varying by size (yours seems around 10-12 inches in diameter based on proportions)
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