Page 107 - 2020 December 10 Christie's Paris Arts of Asia Chinese Art

ƒ110
VASE EN PORCELAINE DE LA FAMILLE ROSE
CHINE, DYNASTIE QING, The lush imagery depicted on the present screen is a favorite theme
EPOQUE YONGZHENG-QIANLONG (1723-1795) in Chinese painting and the decorative arts known as ‘Hundred birds
Sa panse ovoïde est délicatement peinte d'un grand phénix fabuleux aux courting the phoenix’ (bainiao chaohuang or bainiao chaofeng). According to
plumes multicolores perché sur un rocher dans un jardin fleuri. L'autre face est T. T. Bartholomew, Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006,
ornée de pies et d'autres oiseaux de bon augure perchés sur des branchages p. 160-1, the theme is also known as bainiao chaowang (Hundred birds paying
tortueux. homage to the king), as the phoenix is the queen of birds, and “when it flies, the
Hauteur: 34,9 cm. (13æ in.) rest of the birds follow.” The phoenix, probably symbolizing the empress, serve
as the focal point of the vase and is depicted amidst blossoming peonies. The
€20,000-30,000 US$24,000-35,000
author explains, ibid., p. 160, that the pairing of the king of birds with the king
£19,000-27,000
of flowers, the peony, augurs great blessings and prosperity, and suggests the
A FAMILLE ROSE 'PHOENIX AND PEONIES' VASE expression, fugui jixiang (May there be wealth, rank and good fortune).
CHINA, QING DYNASTY, YONGZHENG-QIANLONG PERIOD (1723-1795)
Other flowers depicted in the screen have also been chosen not only for their
清雍正/乾隆 粉彩鳳凰牡丹紋瓶
attractiveness, but also because of what they symbolize. The combination of
white magnolia and peony is particularly auspicious. Together these three
flowers suggest the wish ‘May your noble house be blessed with wealth and
honour’. The stalks of bamboo, shown emerging from behind the rocks, are
suggestive not only of scholarly pursuits, but also symbolize integrity.