Dragon with Flaming Pearl amid Clouds
Poon Tai To (Chinese, born 1946)
A celestial dragon rises through clouds while grasping the flaming pearl, an auspicious emblem associated with wisdom, spiritual energy and perfection.
Museum Identification
Curator & Research
Curator Notes
Informally known within the collection as “Puff,” the work was acquired for its vivid dragon imagery, traditional symbolism and documented authorship. The pearl-bearing dragon makes a distinctive addition to the Museum's Asian Art holdings.
Research Notes
The accompanying artist/gallery biography identifies Poon Tai To as a mainland Chinese-born artist trained from childhood in traditional Chinese bamboo-brush technique. It records a series of juried exhibitions and awards from 1990 through approximately 2001. Independent biographical and exhibition verification remains ongoing.
Provenance
Acquired by the BlazerQuest Curator from Goodwill on September 21, 2026. The work is accompanied by an artist/gallery biographical sheet identifying the medium as original watercolor on silk and listing historical gallery contacts and exhibition activity. Earlier ownership history is presently undocumented.
Supporting Documentation
Appraisal & Authentication
Preliminary Appraisal
FMV $100–$200Insurance / replacement estimate: $300.
Acquisition cost: $5.99.
The estimate reflects the signed and sealed presentation, accompanying documentation, decorative subject appeal, visible condition and the artist's limited secondary-market record.
Authentication / Documentation
The attribution is supported by the Roman-letter signature “Tai To Poon,” Chinese inscription, red artist's seal and accompanying period artist/gallery biography describing original watercolors on silk.
The biography sheet is supporting provenance rather than an independent certificate of authenticity.
Original appraisal and authentication documentation maintained by the Museum and available upon request.
Condition
Presented under glazing in a metal frame with mat. Visible creasing and surface undulation are present in the silk, with possible age-related fading or tonal variation, particularly in the lower cloud passage. No conservation treatment has been recorded. Continued protection from moisture, direct sunlight and prolonged high-intensity illumination is recommended.
Collector Inquiry
If interested in acquiring this artwork, contact Museum Curator:
Bob Blaser
(602) 918-4290
bblaser28@gmail.com
An inquiry does not imply that the artwork is currently offered for sale. Availability and acquisition terms are determined by the Museum Curator.
Confidence & Gaps
High confidence: original watercolor and ink on silk; signature, inscription and artist's seal; documented attribution to Poon Tai To. Moderate confidence: descriptive title and circa late-20th-century dating. Unknown: exact execution date, original gallery of sale, complete provenance and original retail price.