Object Description
Large Chinese Canton famille verte ormolu mounted porcelain vase
Chinese, 19th Century
Height 107cm, diameter 37cm
This magnificent Chinese vase from Canton is decorated in the so-called famille verte manner, wherein the primary colour tones adorning the scenes painted on the body are green. Intermitted among this dominant primary colour are accents in tones of red and pink. The vase is ‘mallet shaped’, a traditional shape evident in many Chinese vases of this period, whereby the body is loosely ovoid and the neck slender.
The vase is decorated with elaborate and profuse decoration of flowers and foliage. The body is painted with scenes of courtly life as well as further natural imagery, interspersed amongst frames created by the extensive foliage. The vase is mounted at the neck with twin parcel gilt foo dog handles, that give the body an extra height, radiance, and luminosity, complementing the lavish painted decoration.
The piece is mounted on a later twentieth century French monumental ormolu base, cast in the Chinoiserie style with clear Baroque influences. Featuring feet cast as dolphins, the highly ornate design elevates the porcelain and creates a stunning piece that combines the best of Chinese and European craftsmanship.