Page 63 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art November 2018

This outstanding pair of vases required great
technical skill during the potting, firing, and
enameling. Consequently, vases of this type, which
were normally made in pairs, were very difficult and
costly to produce. The present vases represent the
highest quality of the type. They are decorated in the
highly developed famille rose palette with a rare form
of blossoming-lotus finial. Most other examples are
lotus-bud finials rather than blossoming or open.

The luxurious and exotic style of these vases
captures the height of the popularity of chinoiserie
that was sweeping through Europe in the 18th
century. In response to the current European taste,
elements of the Baroque and Rococo aesthetic
infiltrated the Chinese craftsman’s repertoire.
Traditional Chinese motifs were synthesized with
Western styles, as indicated by the elaborate
lambrequin borders on the neck and shoulder, which
combine richly-patterned grounds, leafy tendrils,
and C-scrolls with shaped panels containing various
auspicious Chinese motifs.

While vases were frequently enamelled with
phoenixes and flowers, it is more unusual to find
examples depicting pheasants. The craftsman has
cleverly captured the exoticism of phoenixes by
rendering these pheasants with vibrant, long-flowing
feathers.

Compare with a related pair of large famille rose
‘soldier’ vases and covers, Qianlong, circa 1740,
which was sold at Sotheby’s New York, 20 March
2018, lot 417. Another related pair of famille rose
vases and covers, 18th century, was sold at
Sotheby’s London, 19 January 2017, lot 304.