Dramatic Vintage Chinoiserie Vase

Details

Description

Chinese Porcelain Vase with Green Foo Dogs (Shishi)

Form & Structure:
• A classic baluster-shaped porcelain vase, with a wide, … Read more Chinese Porcelain Vase with Green Foo Dogs (Shishi)

Form & Structure:
• A classic baluster-shaped porcelain vase, with a wide, flared rim and a broad, rounded body that tapers to a slightly raised foot.
• The glaze exhibits a fine crackle finish, also known as crazing, often intentionally done to evoke age or antique style.

Design & Decoration:
• The vase features vivid emerald-green guardian lions, commonly referred to as foo dogs or shishi, depicted in dynamic, playful poses with exaggerated paws, curly manes, and expressive faces.
• Additional smaller lion or dog motifs appear near the neck, creating visual balance between the body and top of the vase.
• The design is painted in a traditional Chinese famille verte palette, where green enamel dominates the decorative scheme, accented with black outlines for detail.

Base:
• The bottom is unglazed around the foot ring and shows signs of age and wear.
• There are no visible maker’s marks, which may suggest it is either a modern decorative reproduction or a studio piece not intended for export as fine art porcelain.

Origin & Era:
• Likely Chinese or Chinese-style, made in the late 20th to early 21st century.
• The use of green-glazed foo dogs is a nod to Qing Dynasty Kangxi-period famille verte wares, but this example is more likely a decorative reproduction. See less