A Chinese Fahua Porcelain Stool, Gudeng MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) of barrel form, having a ring of raised circular bosses beneath the mouth rim and above the base, the body flanked by two lion's masks with open jaws forming handles, with carved decoration depicting writhing dragons pursuing a flaming pearl in a pierce carved sky of scrolled clouds, with a copper cylindrical liner, the base pierced, raised on a bronze stand having scrolled foliate cabriole legs and base. Height 14 3/8 inches; with stand overall 26 3/8 inches.