Object Description
Pair of large antique Famille-rose porcelain fish bowls with giltwood stands
Chinese and French, 19th Century
Bowls: Height 40cm, diameter 60cm
Stands: Height 58cm, width 55cm, depth 55cm
Almost identical in design, these exceptional Chinese vases are paired with intricate French giltwood stands. The rotund-form vases utilise a rich, powder-blue ground, which is superbly contrasted by floral, geometric, and Greek key gilt decoration. The interiors are also decorated; with painted foliate and marine designs, and the interior of the lip is painted with a border of pink flowers.
The reverse and obverse of each of the vases are decorated with an identical painted panel of a familial scene, rendered in the Chinese style. The charming figures can be seen playing within a flower-filled courtyard, and the scenes are covered with the pink overglaze that marks the Famille-rose style. The panels are set within a spiked cartouche. Both sides of the vases are decorated with smaller, floral panels, which sit beneath carved giltwood ring drop handles which take the form of monkey heads.
The vases sit atop carved giltwood stands, made in the French Régence style. The stands are richly carved with acanthus leaves and rocaille decoration typical of the early Rococo, and culminate in four tightly scrolled feet. The colour of the giltwood brings out the painted gilt decoration on the vases themselves.
This pair of vases brings together Chinese and French design in an expert blend. Combination pieces such as these were highly popular in 19th century Europe, with Chinese pieces made for the export market later adorned with French mounts or stands. As such, these two vases are a fascinating insight into the cross-cultural artistic collaboration occurring during the 19th century.