Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Famille Rose Phoenix Bottle Vases With Stands

Details

Description

Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Famille Rose Phoenix Bottle Vases with Stands (c. 1875–1911)
Dimensions:

Vase (each): 15.5" H … Read more Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Famille Rose Phoenix Bottle Vases with Stands (c. 1875–1911)
Dimensions:

Vase (each): 15.5" H × 10" W

Wooden stand (each): 9.5" W × 5" H

Total height with stand: 20"

Period: Late 19th Century – Late Qing Dynasty (c. 1875–1911)
Origin: China, likely Jingdezhen kilns

Materials: Porcelain with famille rose (fencai) enamels; carved wood stands.
Description
This elegant pair of Chinese porcelain bottle vases dates to the late Qing Dynasty and is finely executed in the famille rose (fencai) enamel palette. Famille rose decoration, developed during the Qing period, is celebrated for its soft, opaque pinks derived from colloidal gold, combined with richly layered overglaze colors and delicate brushwork.

Each vase features a generously rounded body rising to a long, slightly flared neck with a gently everted rim. The primary decoration depicts phoenix birds (fenghuang) in animated flight, their iridescent plumage rendered in nuanced tones of pink, purple, green, blue, and gilt. The phoenix, a revered symbol of harmony, virtue, and prosperity, is shown amidst luxuriant peony blossoms (mudan)—traditional emblems of wealth, honor, and nobility—set against a crisp white ground.

Additional decorative details include:

Stylized green ruyi cloud or leaf motifs encircling the shoulder

A repeating heart-shaped border in yellow, pink, and turquoise at the rim

A subtle floral scroll border near the base

The vases form a matched pair, designed as mirror images with slight variations in the phoenix positioning, allowing for balanced and symmetrical display.

Stylistically and technically, the vases align with late Qing export wares produced at Jingdezhen, reflecting refined craftsmanship and influence from earlier imperial designs, particularly those of the Qianlong period (1736–1795). Both vases are unmarked, which is consistent with high-quality decorative wares of this era.

Each vase is presented with a matching carved wooden pedestal stand, circular in form, which elevates the pieces and enhances their visual presence for mantel, console, or table display.

Condition
Very good antique condition. The glaze remains glossy and vibrant with no chips. There is one dark age-related mark and a very small, faint age crack inside the lip of one vase, consistent with late Qing porcelain. These minor signs of age do not detract from the overall presentation or structural integrity.

A striking and decorative pair with strong symbolic imagery, refined enamel work, and impressive scale. Perfect for collectors of Chinese porcelain or as statement objects in both traditional and contemporary interiors. See less