.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The present vase, with its magnificent size and elaborately cast handles was undoubtedly a remarkable technical feat at the time and is representative of Qing imperial cloisonné enamels of the highest quality. The combination of the phoenix and mask gilt handles create a striking visual impact which is well complemented by the colourful enamels on the exterior.
Compare to a massive vase of similar form, decorated with similar gilt-metal phoenix and mask handles with loose rings, measuring 80 cm. high including four gilt feet in mythical beast form, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum –Enamels, vol. 3, no. 77 (fig. 1). Compare also to a smaller vase of this form (48.8 cm.) decorated with similar phoenix handles, also formerly in the Springfield Museums Collection, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 November 2020, lot 2909 (fig. 2)
Compare to a massive vase of similar form, decorated with similar gilt-metal phoenix and mask handles with loose rings, measuring 80 cm. high including four gilt feet in mythical beast form, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum –Enamels, vol. 3, no. 77 (fig. 1). Compare also to a smaller vase of this form (48.8 cm.) decorated with similar phoenix handles, also formerly in the Springfield Museums Collection, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 November 2020, lot 2909 (fig. 2)