Chinese Qing Tonzhi Mark & Period Blue Iron-red Dragon Food Container

Chinese Qing dynasty Tongzhi mark and period (1862-1874) cylindrical food container decorated around the circumference with four overglaze iron-red five-clawed dragons in profile above a band of underglaze blue waves. Each dragon is among underglaze blue clouds and separated from each other by a pair of vertical blue cloud bands shaped like opposing bats. A geometric blue band extends along the top. Each side has twisted metal handles supported by two animal mask lugs with gilt highlights. White glazed background and interior. A rust-red zhuanshu square form six-character Tongzhi mark is on the unglazed base. 19th century. 9 3/4" x 3 3/4". Very good overall condition. There is typical minor wear to the gilt highlights, overglaze pigment, and fully glazed bottom. From the estate of Gerhard Lohmeier, a diplomat at the German embassy in Beijing from 1985 to 1989.