A large antique Chinese porcelain "famille noire" or mirror black vase, with an exterior decoration of the "three friends of the winter" (bamboo, plum blossom, pine tree) with 6 magpies in a continuous landscape, excellent painted, typical Kangxi style. Handcrafted in ancient China during the Qing dynasty, these vases where ultra popular due to empress Dowager Cixi's personal affection for these wares. Made from biscuit porcelain, partially unglazed on the inside, unglazed foot. Guaranteed original and of the Qing dynasty. Millionaire’s Taste: The 19th Century Reinvention of Famille-Noire Porcelains: Famille-noire wares comprised many of the most expensive porcelains sold in the first decades of the 20th century. A vase purchased by Frank Partridge for a few hundred pounds was sold in 1919 for the astronomical amount of £12,000 to John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937). The largest collectors of famille-noire were George Salting (1839-1909), who bequeathed his collection to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and James A. Garland (1840-1902). The Garland Collection was purchased by Duveen for $500,000, sold to J. P. Morgan (1837-1913), reacquired by Duveen after Morgan’s death with much of the collection going to John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937). Clients and dealers competed vigorously for coveted examples of famille-noire; the intensity resulting in ruptured friendships and even acrimonious lawsuits. The relatively recent reassignment of these wares to the late 19th century does not diminish their appeal or splendor but allows us to appreciate them as a unique expression of a golden age of collecting in the West. Height: 34,5 centimeter. Condition: The object is in perfect condition, no damages at all (just a baking imperfection on the rim). The condition is carefully checked with strong UV-light and bright translucent white light. Shipping method: This lot will be securely packed and shipped with insurance, without wooden stand. Buy multiple lots from this seller and save on shipping costs, for multiple lots you’ll pay the shipping costs only once. #parisapartment