Object Description
Pair of large Chinese Canton famille verte ormolu mounted porcelain vases
Chinese, 19th Century
Height 107cm, diameter 37cm
This magnificent pair of Chinese vases, from the city of Canton, are decorated in the so-called famille verte manner, wherein the primary colour tones adorning the scenes painted on the body are of green, which is scattered throughout with accents in tones of red and pink. Each 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 vases are decorated with elaborate and profuse decoration of flowers and foliage. The body of each is painted with scenes of courtly life interspersed amongst frames created by the extensive foliage, and the vases are mounted to their necks with twin parcel gilt foo dog handles, that gives the body of each an extra height, radiance, and luminosity, complementing the lavish painted decoration.
Each piece is subsequently mounted on monumental ormolu bases cast in the Chinoiserie style, with clear European Baroque influences. Featuring feet cast as dolphins, they are highly ornate, grand, and magnificent pieces, that elevate the porcelain and create stunning wares that combine the best of Chinese and European craftsmanship.