A PAIR OF EXPORT PISTOL-HANDLED URNS AND COVERS

LATE QIANLONG

Details

A PAIR OF EXPORT PISTOL-HANDLED URNS AND COVERS
late qianlong
Modelled after a European neo-classical faence prototype, of characteristic oviform body shape with canted shoulder and concave neck applied with two pistol-shaped gilt handles suspending a moulded and enamelled wreath enclosing a sepia landscape with European-style buildings within a raised oval medallion, the neck moulded with swags, the cover terminating in a pine-cone finial, the square pedestal foot decorated in imitation of marble, minor chips restored
14 in. (36 cm.) high (2)

Lot Essay

This shape was originally taken from drawings by Stefano della Bella, while he was working for Ferdinand de Medici, and were recorded in Raccolta di Vasi diversi, pl.6, 1st state, 1639-1648. These drawings were much used to inspire urns in silver, porcelain and bronze especially during the English 'vase mania' from about 1770 onwards. The designs were faithfully copied by Wedgwood, and it was probably from a Wedgwood model that the Chinese produced their first version in about 1790. Compare the similar urn in the Mottahedeh Collection, illustrated by D. Howard and J. Ayers, op.cit., 1978, vol.II, no.575, p.557; and another from the Helena Woolworth McCann collection in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, is illustrated by M. Beurdeley, op.cit., 1962, cat.206, p.198.

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