A FINE AND VERY RARE IMPERIAL FAMILLE ROSE AND GILT-DECORATED WATERPOT
THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN 
A FINE AND VERY RARE IMPERIAL FAMILLE ROSE AND GILT-DECORATED WATERPOT

Details
A FINE AND VERY RARE IMPERIAL FAMILLE ROSE AND GILT-DECORATED WATERPOT
QIANLONG FOUR-CHARACTER MARK WITHIN A DOUBLE-SQUARE AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

The finely potted waterpot with four lobed sides rising to a mouth rim of similar section with an indentation to one end to accommodate a spoon, each section finely decorated with a large Indian lotus flower-head, two picked out in shades of pink and thick white enamel, alternating with another two in tones of yellow and white, all amidst curled tendrils, leaves and formal borders in transparent green enamels, and reserved on a ground of deep sapphire-blue tone, the short neck and base with an ornate pale pink and green trident border issuing further stylised flowers interspersed with pearls, all within gold outlines, the rim and foot also enamelled in gold, the interior and base covered in a turquoise glaze, the reign mark well written in blue enamel
3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm.) long

Lot Essay

At first sight, this magnificent begonia-flower shaped waterpot appears to be a fine example of enamel on metal - a combination of champleve and cloisonne techniques. However, the washer is made of porcelain and is one of a very select group of porcelain wares produced for the Qianlong Emperor in imitation of another material. Other such pieces are included in this sale in imitation of cloisonne (lot 1243), bronze (lot 1238) and brocade cloth (lot 1236).

This waterpot appears to be unique with only one other comparable porcelain example of this floral pattern is recorded, cf. a box and cover sold in these Rooms, 30 October 2001, lot 640 (fig. 1). The box and cover is decorated in the same high standard using the same palette and technique. The unusually thick enamels on both examples have been applied in layers, giving this waterpot the further appearance of the finest quality Beijing enamelled metalwork.

The jewel-like appearance of the sapphire-blue enamel on the waterpot is due in part to the use of the finest materials and careful preparation. However, the depth and richness of colour has also been achieved by the thickness with which the enamel have been applied, that would have been very difficult to do successfully. Indeed the rarity of this piece may testify the highest quality of Imperial wares that were selected for the Court.

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