Unusual Pair of Chinese Imperial Yellow Ground Cloisonné Dragon Vases

Description

Unusual Pair of Chinese Imperial Yellow Ground Cloisonné Dragon Vases, Qing A pair of Chinese yellow ground cloisonné dragon vases of elongated baluster form with rounded bodies, tall tapering necks, flared rims, and circular footed bases. Each vase is covered with a yellow enamel ground decorated in cloisonné with continuous scrolling black foliage interspersed with multicolored floral blossoms in shades of blue, red, white, purple, and turquoise. The necks terminate in wide trumpet mouths bordered with gilt rims displaying geometric ornament. Applied dragons coil around each neck and shoulder, forming sculptural handles with sinuous bodies, raised scales, clawed feet, and open mouths. One dragon is finished in green enamel while the other is finished in red enamel, each with gilt heads, horns, whiskers, claws, and tails. The foot rims are decorated with floral and foliate bands enclosed by gilt borders. These vases are executed in the Chinese cloisonné technique, in which thin metal wires are applied to the surface to create individual cells that are filled with colored enamels and fired before being polished smooth. The dragons are cast separately and attached to the bodies, combining sculptural bronze elements with enameled decoration. The gilt rims, dragon heads, and claws provide contrast against the yellow ground while maintaining the overall decorative scheme. Chinese cloisonné workshops produced vessels of this type using repeated firing stages to achieve the saturated enamel colors and smooth surface. Yellow ground cloisonné pieces required uniform enamel application across broad areas before the floral and scrolling patterns were completed. The combination of sculptural dragon mounts, extensive floral decoration, and elongated vase form reflects production intended for decorative display while showcasing the technical precision associated with large scale cloisonné enamelwork. Dimensions: 20.5" Height 9.5" Diameter

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