Chinese Canton Porcelain Vase, 20th Century

An important Canton porcelain vase from southern China, dating from the early 20th century, 43 cm high. This slender baluster-shaped vase rests on a slightly flared foot and terminates in a tall, flared neck with a rolled lip. It is richly decorated with a polychrome enameled "mille fleurs" pattern, typical of Cantonese productions intended for export at the end of the Qing dynasty. The body is adorned with large lobed cartouches depicting lively scenes of figures inspired by Chinese literature and history: court scenes, processions, and military episodes, rendered with vivacity and great finesse of drawing. These cartouches alternate with small landscape medallions featuring pavilions, hills, and stylized vegetation. The entire decoration is enhanced by an abundantly floral background composed of peonies, lotuses, and foliage, symbols of prosperity and renewal. The shoulders of the vase are adorned with handles in the form of stylized elephant heads, glazed in pale blue, holding movable rings—a decorative and symbolic detail frequently found on high-quality pieces. The neck features a stylized geometric frieze in pastel shades (yellow, pink, and green), framing figurative reserves. The interior of the neck and base is glazed in a milky white, without any apparent marks, characteristic of Canton porcelain from this period. Height: 43 cm. https://rennes-antiquites.com/produit/vase-chinois-en-porcelaine-de-canton-epoque-xxe-siecle/