QIANLONG, CIRCA 1785-95

Details

A PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN PISTOL-HANDLED URNS AND COVERS
QIANLONG, CIRCA 1785-95
Each with an oval landscape cartouche on either side of the baluster body within a raised gilt surround, gilt with scattered flower sprays and vine on a pale iron-red ground, the upright handles suspending relief-moulded gilt swags and the neck with an iron-red and gilt floral band with bosses below the rim, the slender waisted foot similarly decorated and moulded with leaves, all standing on a square faux marbre base, the shallow domed covers with gilt berry finials, necks cracked, one with handles restored
14 in. (35.5 cm.) high (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

This shape can be traced back to silver prototypes by Stefano della Bella (1610-1664) and became particularly popular in both silver and porcelain during the English 'vase mania' from about 1770 onwards. It was probably a Wedgwood model that the Chinese first copied towards the end of the 18th century. The pistol handles, moulded relief work and faux marbre, or occasionally faux bois, bases are common to most Chinese versions, and were produced for many countries then engaged in trade with China. Versions were made in a variety of palettes, but the enamelling on the vases in the present lot is particularly unusual, being more frequently found in blue enamel or in the famille rose palette. An almost identical vase from the collection of Ricardo Espirito Santo Silva is illustrated by Lloyd Hyde, 'Espirito Santo Silva and Malta', Chinese Porcelain for the European Market, Lisbon, 1956, colour plate 2.

More from CHAMPALIMAUD COLLECTION

View All