A vintage oriental-style dinner service for 12. The set includes a coffee pot, sugar bowl, creamer, 12 cups, and 12 saucers. Made of porcelain, it is decorated with underglaze and overglaze polychrome painting featuring a dragon. China, 20th century.The deep cobalt hue of these pieces is reminiscent of the masters of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the following Qing Dynasty. Cobalt underglaze and overglaze polychrome painting are known as "wu cai," or "five colors" (referring to the use of red, blue, green, yellow, and black). Full of contradictions, the Ming period nevertheless marked a turning point in cultural development, trade, urban growth, and economic growth. Porcelain became known beyond China. The cobalt hue is associated with imperial power, green is associated with nature, and red hues are associated with wealth. The artisans experimented with various glaze applications and strove for a harmonious transition from color to color.The dragon here pays homage to one of the most important symbols of Chinese culture. The animal's figure is a personification of the emperor, with certain features emphasizing status, intelligence, and power. Dragons were often depicted in brown, red, and blue colors. The motif of the painting revolves around the dragon. During the Ming Dynasty, dragons were depicted with five toes; before their reign, they were depicted with three or four.