Large 18" Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Vase With Dragon Handles & Peacocks

Details

Description

An impressive large-scale Chinese famille rose porcelain vase, richly hand-painted with an extraordinarily detailed continuous composition of peacocks, pheasants and … Read more An impressive large-scale Chinese famille rose porcelain vase, richly hand-painted with an extraordinarily detailed continuous composition of peacocks, pheasants and other birds among flowering branches, peonies, lotus and lush botanical motifs.

Standing approximately 18 inches tall and 11 inches across at its widest point, the vase has substantial presence. Its broad, rounded body rises through sloping shoulders into a tall flared neck, creating a classic baluster silhouette that beautifully emphasizes both form and decoration. A pair of applied iron-red dragon-form handles gives the piece an additional sculptural dimension.

The decoration is particularly elaborate. Rather than relying on isolated medallions or large areas of undecorated porcelain, virtually the entire surface is covered with finely rendered imagery in the traditional famille rose palette. Soft pink, coral, celadon green, turquoise, blue, yellow and iron red are layered across the porcelain in an intricate combination of avian scenes, floral ornament and patterned borders.

Around the broad body, peacocks, pheasants and other exotic birds appear among flowering peonies, branches and garden foliage. Different scenes emerge as the vase is turned, giving the piece an animated quality from every angle. The neck continues the decorative program with birds in flight, blossoms, lotus and ornamental borders, while the sloping shoulder is densely scattered with delicate flowers and butterflies.

Especially distinctive are the applied dragon-form handles at either side of the neck. Finished in a contrasting mottled iron-red glaze, they project dramatically from the porcelain and provide a bold sculptural counterpoint to the finely painted surface decoration.

The composition draws upon the decorative vocabulary associated with Chinese famille rose and Canton-style porcelain, in which birds, flowers, butterflies and richly patterned borders combine to create an exuberant, highly decorative surface. The numerous botanical and avian motifs also carry traditional auspicious associations with beauty, prosperity, harmony and abundance.

The vase rests on its original carved dark wood presentation stand, which measures approximately 8 inches wide. The stand remains securely affixed and has not been removed, preserving the piece as it has long been displayed. Because the stand is attached, the underside of the porcelain and any possible maker's marks beneath it cannot be examined.

Acquired by my family during travel in Asia and subsequently displayed for decades in a private Palm Springs collection, the vase has been carefully preserved and presents beautifully.

With its substantial scale, sculptural dragon handles, exceptionally intricate decoration and richly colored famille rose palette, this is a striking decorative object equally suited to a traditional Asian interior or as an ornate counterpoint within a contemporary or eclectic setting.

Details:
Chinese porcelain
Famille rose palette
Hand-painted decoration
Peacock, pheasant and other bird imagery
Peonies, lotus, flowering branches and butterflies
Applied iron-red dragon-form handles
Continuous all-over decoration
Original carved wood display stand
Approximately 18"H × 11"W at widest point
Attached carved wood stand approximately 8"W
Private Palm Springs collection

Condition:
Very good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and careful display. The porcelain presents beautifully, with vibrant painted and enameled decoration. No chips, cracks or repairs observed. The interior shows age-related surface discoloration and residue consistent with prior use. The original carved wood presentation stand remains securely attached and shows minor age-appropriate wear. Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description. See less