Object Description
Large pair of floral Chinese cloisonné enamel vases on wooden plinths
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 123cm, diameter 52cm
This impressive pair of Chinese cloisonné enamel vases are decorated with colourful foliate and animal designs, against an unusual deep blue ground. Of baluster form, the vases are identical, save for the floral decoration which is mirrored.
The main bodies are decorated with a flower basket on each side, which overflows with a host of colourful blossoms. Each basket is tied at the top with a pale blue ribbon, and exquisitely rendered butterflies hover amongst the flowers. The sides feature smaller bouquets, again tied with ribbon and depicting butterflies within the compositions. The designs sit atop the variegated dark blue ground, comprising hundreds of smaller cloisonné enamel flowers. The neck features a similar design.
The flared sections of the neck as well as the foot are decorated with more stylised geometric designs, interspersed with pairs of dragons. The lower section of the neck also features a paler blue band, decorated with further animals, flowers, and strips of bamboo. Gilding can be seen on the rim of the foot.
Each vase sits on a circular wooden plinth, carved with an openwork design.
With their colourful design, these sensational vases showcase the wonderful decorative pieces being made in China during the 20th century.