Page 88 - CHRISTIE'S Marchant Nine Decades of Chinese Art 09/14/17

MARCHANT: NINE DECADES IN CHINESE ART

740 A LARGE FAMILLE VERTE,
IRON-RED AND GILT-DECORATED
ROULEAU VASE

KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)

The vase is decorated in iron-red highlighted with gilt and
with details in black, soft green and yellow enamels with a
continuous scene of a gentleman observing two ladies playing
weiqi on a terrace, while another lady watches boys playing an
acrobatic game. The neck is similarly decorated with boys at
play, above ‘precious objects’ reserved on a geometric foral
ground that decorates the shoulder.
28 in. (71 cm.) high

$20,000-30,000

PROVENANCE

Important private collection, Lyon, France.

The lavish application of iron red and gilt to large rouleau
vases is highly distinctive, creating a sumptuous yet refned
ware. The further subtle addition of famille verte accents in
mostly pale tones provides a liveliness and contrast to the
rich red and gold.

Such elegant vases appear to have been made in very
restricted numbers, suggesting that they may have been part
of a special commission. Likewise, the similarity of subject
matter, fne execution, and color palette, may further suggest
that they were made at the same workshop. It seems likely
that such pieces would have been produced around 1720-22,
when a comparable palette of iron red, famille verte and gilt
can be found on armorial porcelain, and before the limited
introduction of famille rose details on armorial porcelain
began in 1723-24.

清康熙 五彩加金彩四妃十六子圖大棒槌瓶

(details)

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