A Fantastic Pair of 19th Century Chinese Turquoise Ground Cloisonné Dragon Vases

Description

A Fantastic Pair of 19th Century Chinese Turquoise Ground Cloisonné Dragon Vases. Each vase is constructed with a baluster form rising to a tall, flaring neck and resting on a slightly splayed circular foot. The neck is bordered by a band of ruyi-shaped lappets below the rim and is decorated with opposing five-clawed dragons rendered in black enamel with gilt accents, set against a turquoise ground filled with swirling cloud patterns. The shoulders are encircled by a border of stylized waves in segmented sections of blue, yellow, white, and green, separated by fine gilt wire. The midsection of each vase features four circular reserves on the body, each enclosing a naturalistic scene of birds among flowering trees, rocks, and foliage, all set against a white enamel ground with incised cloud motifs. Between the reserves, the ground is filled with lotus blossoms and foliate scrolls in shades of blue, green, red, and yellow, outlined in gilt wire. These floral motifs are repeated throughout the surface, including along the lower foot and shoulder areas. A gilt band outlines the rim and foot, providing a visual frame for the polychrome decoration. The vases are executed in cloisonné enamel, a technique involving the application of colored enamels within compartments formed by soldered copper or bronze wire. The overall use of vibrant enamels, combined with the precise cloison patterns and recurring dragon iconography, is consistent with Qing dynasty imperial decorative themes, particularly those found in large-scale cloisonné works from the 19th century. China, Circa: 1800's

Details

Dimensions