A PAIR OF 'CANTON FAMILLE ROSE' URNS AND COVERS

CIRCA 1820

Details

A PAIR OF 'CANTON FAMILLE ROSE' URNS AND COVERS
CIRCA 1820
Of neoclassical form with pairs of flower spray handles, the knops seated ladies, each holding a cup in her hand, the vases decorated with molded edge oval medallions showing noblemen and ladies in garden settings, similar scenes in scroll-shaped reserves on the necks, all on a gilt ground decorated with a profusion of butterflies, insects, fruits and flowers, the gilt-ground covers and white-ground pedestal bases decorated to match
18½ in. (37 cm.) high (2)

Lot Essay

This wonderful form, first made in Chinese porcelain in the mid-1790's, but then with restrained, neoclassical decoration and pistol handles, hails from Georgian knife urns in wood. As 'Canton famille rose' enamelling flourished in the early 19th century it came to be applied to this classical shape, bringing with it the exuberant handles and amusing knops. A similar pair was sold Christie's New York, 21 January 1999, lot 267.

More from Chinese Export Art

View All