Lot Essay
A single massive Canton vase of this type is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, illustrated, Chinese Export Art and Design, pl.36; the author points out that the scene is derived from the novel The Water Margin, and it seems very likely that the named semi-historical figures on the present lot also derive from this well-known classic of Chinese literature. Although many of these late Canton famille rose vases are only decorated elaborately on one side, suggesting they were always intended to be seen from the front only as massive decoration pieces set against a wall, in the case of the present lot and the vase above, they are boldly painted on both sides, suggesting that they were expected to be seen in the round.