China, Qing Dynasty - Second Half Of The XIXᵉ Century

Pair of cloisonné bronze vases on gilt bronze mounts

China, Qing dynasty - Second half of the XIXᵉ century

Rare and elegant pair of Chinese cloisonné bronze baluster vases resting on substantial four-legged finely chased gilt bronze mounts. These vases illustrate all the refinement of Chinese workshops in the second half of the XIXᵉ century, a period during which the art of cloisonné reached a remarkable level of quality and decorative sophistication.

The bodies feature sumptuous polychrome decoration executed using the traditional cloisonné technique, against a luminous imperial yellow background, a color historically reserved for the court and a symbol of prestige, prosperity and power. This background is entirely animated by a delicate network of scrolls and volutes formed by fine brass partitions, creating an effect of great visual richness.

The decoration is embellished with numerous multicolored butterflies, symbols of happiness, longevity and joy in Chinese iconography, evolving among a profusion of small, delicately enameled flowers.

The vases are adorned with magnificent cartouches in a variety of shapes, offering a particularly harmonious contrast with the yellow background:

• cartouches with turquoise-blue backgrounds, decorated with lotuses and aquatic flowers in shades of pink, white and green;
• fan-shaped reserves with ivory-white backgrounds, decorated with flowering branches and finely treated blossoms;
• poly-lobed cartouches with deep black backgrounds, showcasing delicate floral compositions in jade green, soft pink, blue and white colors;
• flowers and butterflies in turquoise, emerald green, coral, brown and white hues enliven the overall decor.

The upper part is highlighted by an elegant frieze of stylized flowers and polychrome petals, while the base is enriched by a lotus frieze and plant motifs in shades of green, pink and blue.

The vases rest on beautiful, richly chased gilt bronze mounts, composed of four moving feet and a Louis XV-inspired decorative gallery. This combination of Chinese cloisonné and Western mounts testifies to the taste developed in the XIXᵉ century for Asian objets d'art destined for grand European residences.

By their quality of execution, their brilliant chromatic palette and their remarkable decorative presence, these vases are a fine example of the art of Chinese cloisonné of the Qing period.

Dimensions:

• Height: 26 cm
• Diameter: 12.5 cm

Origin:
China

Era:
Second half of the XIXᵉ century

Materials:
Cloisonné bronze and gilt bronze

Condition:
Very good overall condition. Some light wear and tiny enamel chips compatible with the age of the object. Beautiful patina of the gilded bronze mounts.

Delivery:
Delivery will be entirely handled by Galerie De Cicco. This pair of vases will benefit from particularly careful and secure professional packaging, carried out with all the necessary precautions to guarantee optimal transport and receipt in perfect condition at its future purchaser's home.