Vintage Mid-Century Chinese Famille Noire Baluster Vase Hand Painted Lotus and Koi Fish 14 Inch

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Vintage Mid-Century Chinese Famille Noire Baluster Vase Hand Painted Lotus and Koi Fish 14 Inch

This striking Mid-Century Chinese porcelain … Read more Vintage Mid-Century Chinese Famille Noire Baluster Vase Hand Painted Lotus and Koi Fish 14 Inch

This striking Mid-Century Chinese porcelain vase is a masterclass in the Famille Noire tradition, featuring a deep, high-gloss black ground that provides a dramatic backdrop for its vibrant aquatic scenery. Standing fourteen inches tall, the baluster-form vessel is decorated with an intricate hand-painted tableau of koi fish, mandarin ducks, and blossoming lotus flowers, rendered in a rich palette of iron red, celadon green, and soft pink enamels. The shoulders of the vase are adorned with two molded lion mask mock ring handles, finished in a contrasting terracotta red glaze, which adds a sculptural element to the elegant silhouette. This piece exemplifies the timeless appeal of Chinoiserie decor, offering a sophisticated focal point that bridges the gap between traditional Asian artistry and mid-century maximalist design.

About the Artisans
While this vase bears an apocryphal blue seal mark on the base that pays homage to the Kangxi period, it was produced by skilled porcelain artisans in the mid-20th century, likely within the historic kilns of Jingdezhen. During this era, Chinese workshops specialized in reviving the celebrated palettes of the Qing Dynasty for export to the international market. These artisans were masters of the overglaze enamel technique, carefully layering pigments to create the raised textural feel and vivid color saturation seen in the aquatic flora and fauna depicted here. Every stroke of the brush was intentional, intended to bring movement and life to the static ceramic surface.

Historical Significance
The Famille Noire, or black family style of Chinese porcelain, first gained international fame in the late 17th century and remained a symbol of high status in Western collections for hundreds of years. This mid-century revival captures the same sense of opulence and mystery that made the original pieces so coveted by European royalty. Beyond its aesthetic beauty, the vase is steeped in traditional Chinese symbolism. The koi fish represents perseverance and the accumulation of wealth, while the lotus flower emerging from the water symbolizes purity and spiritual enlightenment. The mandarin ducks, often seen in pairs, serve as icons of fidelity and marital harmony, making this vase a vessel of auspicious wishes for the home.

Auspicious Aquatic Symbolism
The subjects on this vessel are a curated selection of traditional motifs intended to bring good fortune to its owner. In Chinese culture, the combination of the fish and the lotus creates a visual pun for abundance year after year. The meticulous attention to the scales of the koi and the delicate veining of the lotus leaves showcase a dedication to naturalism that was highly popular in mid-century Asian export art. This specific aquatic theme makes the vase a popular choice for interiors seeking to incorporate the calming, prosperous energy of water elements without the maintenance of a physical aquarium.

Specifications and Dimensions
Height: 14 inches
Width: 8 inches
Depth: 8 inches
Style: Famille Noire / Chinoiserie
Material: Hand-Painted Porcelain
Form: Baluster with Lion Mask Handles
Era: Mid 20th Century
Origin: China

Condition Report
This vase is in very good vintage condition, showing a well-preserved surface that speaks to its history as a cherished decorative object. The black ground retains a beautiful high-gloss finish, though light surface scuffs and minor flea-bite pits are present, as is common with mid-century firing techniques. The hand-applied enamels remain exceptionally vibrant with no significant loss or fading to the painted scenes. There is light, attractive wear to the iron-red pigment on the raised lion-mask handles, which serves to highlight the fine molded details. The vessel is structurally sound with no chips, cracks, or evidence of professional restoration.

Designers Note
For the interior designer, this Famille Noire vase is a powerful tool for grounding a room with high contrast color. Its bold black surface makes the surrounding colors in a room pop, and it fits perfectly into the Hollywood Regency aesthetic or a moody maximalist gallery. I recommend styling this piece on a bright white entry console or a gilded mantle to maximize the visual impact of the dark porcelain. It also pairs beautifully with traditional blue-and-white ginger jars, providing a dark anchor that adds depth to a monochromatic ceramic collection. Because of its height and substantial girth, it can easily support a large arrangement of cherry blossoms or pussy willow branches, to add an organic vertical element to your decor.

This Mid-Century Famille Noire baluster vase represents a beautiful intersection of historical tradition and vintage charm. With its rich symbolic imagery and dramatic color palette, it is a sophisticated acquisition for anyone looking to add a layer of storied elegance and prosperity to their curated home. See less