Chinese Export-Style Porcelain Armorial Garniture Vase

Details

Description

Modeled after late 18th-century Chinese export porcelain made for Western markets during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, this armorial beaker … Read more Modeled after late 18th-century Chinese export porcelain made for Western markets during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, this armorial beaker vase combines historic form with decorative appeal. Originally, vessels of this type were displayed on mantels to hold rolled paper spills or tapers for lighting fires; this 20th-century example now serves as an elegant decorative vase. Measuring 12" high, its cylindrical body flares at the trumpet-shaped rim and base, a silhouette especially associated with garniture sets made for European mantels.
The coat of arms features two imaginative animal supporters resembling a blend of kangaroos and oryx. At the center is an ornate shield divided into three horizontal bands: two golden quadrupeds, likely boars or sheep, appear at the top; three golden anchors or crowns occupy the middle; and a golden boar or pig appears at the bottom. Above the shield, a demi-lion or similar creature holding a device sits on a black-and-white twisted wreath, while an enameled floral garland swag and pink ribbon complete the design below.
The vase is decorated in a famille rose and rouge de fer, or iron-red, palette, with scattered pink floral sprigs across the body. An iron-red and gilt scalloped wave border encircles the rim and base, accented by small green leaves for added detail.
The interior shows a deep hollow, and the unglazed, gritty texture on the bottom rim is typical of traditional Asian hard-paste porcelain construction methods.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent. See less