Pair of Chinese Vases
China
A pair of ceramic vessels constructed along vertical axes, one organised through a rounded baluster body, the other through an elongated cylindrical body, each rising to a flared trumpet neck joined to the body by a raised collar.
Description
Both vessels share a matching neck register, bounded in descending sequence by bands of scrolling cloud motifs, key-fret meander, pendant floral lattice, and pointed lappet forms. The baluster body is centred on each principal face by a pierced medallion filled with dense floral-scroll lattice, framed by a painted foliate scroll border with floral roundels flanking the medallion; a lower register of key-fret and floral banding encircles the body above the foot. The cylindrical body bears a continuous painted scene of a flowering branch, peony blossoms, and bamboo foliage, among which two birds are shown beside a nest containing eggs.
Surface is compact and stable. Glaze is retained across both vessels, with exposure limited to minor wear at raised elements. Painted underglaze decoration remains intact; pierced elements remain intact on the baluster vessel.
Context
Vessels of this type function within domestic and ceremonial contexts as presentation objects.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in China, 2010.
Details
- Title
- Pair of Chinese Vases
- Culture
- Chinese
- Origin
- China
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- Baluster vessel: H 26.5 cm (10.4 in) · D 15 cm (5.9 in); cylindrical vessel: H 32.5 cm (12.8 in) · D 13 cm (5.1 in) · rim D 21.5 cm (8.5 in)
- Medium
- Ceramic with cobalt-blue underglaze decoration
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in China, 2010.
- Condition
- Glaze retained; painted decoration intact; pierced elements intact (baluster vessel).
