A pair of Chinese Export famille verte vases and covers

Kangxi period 1662–1722
China

height: 54.5 cm

The slender oval baluster form, with splayed foot and elongated neck, is moulded with twelve vertical fluted ribs that extend to the domed cover – surmounted by a once gilded, basket shaped topknot. Each vase is painted with two rows of six cartouches depicting landscapes, bird and flower views, lions, and floral scenes – all above a diaper band around the foot. The shoulder is decorated with four alternating lion and dragon panels against a diaper ground, and the neck with precious objects.

The subject matter of the decoration is very Chinese, but the shape of the vases with their distinctive large and overhanging domed covers is European – deriving from faience examples that would have been made as five piece garnitures. Such vases were much sought after in Europe during the 18th century – especially in highly prized Chinese porcelain with its bright enamel colours.