This type of tall jar or vase is called a jun (樽), which refers to a vessel used in ceremonies to hold either flowers or wine. This particular jun is boldly decorated with a dragon-and-cloud motif. It is known that certain court rituals employed a pair of jun with dragon designs. This massive jar has an imposing form and stands out even more due to its elaborate patterning. In addition to the striking dragon, it features several secondary designs including a ring of scrolled vines around the mouth and stylized lotus patterns at the top and bottom. The lotus designs are similar, but they differ from each other in both size and shape. The elongated dragon with its vividly illustrated beard, fin, scales, and claws is playing with a cintamani (an auspicious Buddhist jewel) against a backdrop of clouds above and below. The transparent light blue glaze perfectly complements the deep cobalt-blue underglaze, conveying a powerful visual sensation.