CIRCA 1840, COIN MARKS IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE

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A PAIR OF BLACK LACQUERED FAIENCE MONUMENTAL VASES 'BERLINER LACKVASEN'
CIRCA 1840, COIN MARKS IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE
Each of baluster form, the surface 'japanned' in imitation of Chinese lacquer in black, red and gold with eight shaped ogival panels of stylized figures at leisure pursuits in gardens or in an architectural setting reserved within raised outlines on the black ground gilt with arabesques and scrolls, flowers in lappets beneath the mouth and around the foot
48¾ in. (124 cm.) high (2)

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Please note that the correct titel and date line should read:
A PAIR OF BLACK LACQUERED FAIENCE MONUMENTAL VASES 'BERLINER LACKVASEN' CIRCA 1840, COIN MARKS IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE

For a similar example of a monumental vase with mother-of-pearl inlay and a further discussion about the different types of lacquer vases and vessels see Samuel Wittwer, Schwartz Porcelain, Die Leidenschaft für Lack und ihre Wirkung auf das europäische Porzellan, pp. 237-249.

Lot Essay

Compare W. Holzhausen, Lackkunst in Europa, pp. 271-281 and Hans Huth, Lacquer of the West, figs. 185 and 186 for a discussion of the dating on this class of wares. Holzhausen suggests an early 18th century date of circa 1720 while Huth feels that they were likely made closer to 1800. Given the taste in the early 18th century for all things Chinese versus that of the late 18th century for the neoclassic, a date of circa 1720 seems more plausible. See also Margit Bauer, Euopäische Fayencen, p. 63, no. 64 and Konrad Hüsler, Deutsche Fayencen, Band II, pl. 201, no. 376 for other examples.

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