Vase - Porcelain - China

Grand Vase Rouleau
China
Famille Verte
Porcelain
Dimensions : Height : 56.5 cm x Diameter : 24 cm.

Roller-shaped vase with a pronounced shoulder and a long neck ending in a broadly flared trumpet lip. The neck is flanked by two relief handles depicting heads of stylized fantastical creatures holding a mobile ring simulated in porcelain, painted in cobalt blue under a blue overglaze.

The polychrome decoration, which occupies almost all of the body, the neck and the shoulder, is characteristic of the Famille Verte palette, dominated by pine green, pale sea-green, iron red (used for outlines and drapery), turquoise blue, straw-yellow and touches of manganese black for hair details and highlights.

The decorative program is richly narrative, illustrating a gathering of deities from the Taoist and popular pantheon, celebrating longevity, prosperity and success.

The composition centers around an open two-tier pavilion architecture set on waves stylized as tight spirals. A high-ranking official or a celestial deity (evoking the Jade Emperor or the God of Prosperity Lu) receives offerings in the middle of ladies of the court holding ceremonial fans.
Several legendary figures riding fantastical mounts or marine attributes can be discerned. A bearded man in a purple robe stands upright on a giant red carp (symbol of abundance and success in imperial examinations). Beside him, a warrior or a fierce spirit (possibly Zhong Kui or a celestial guardian) rides a turquoise creature (Qilin or Buddhist lion). Farther down, an old sage (immortal) navigates a makeshift boat in the shape of a tree trunk, accompanied by a maid.

The back of the vase unfolds a multitude of figures moving across polychrome scrolls of clouds (the Taoist heavens). One recognizes the iconography of the Eight Immortals (Ba Xian) and other deities holding their respective attributes (lotus flowers, ruyi scepters, baskets of longevity peaches, branches of pine).
The neck extends the celestial theme with figures of flying immortals or ritual children (yingxi) moving among trees (gnarled pines, symbols of constancy and longevity) and stylized mountains.

This vase belongs to the tradition of grand commissioning and prestige porcelains characterized by the vigorous use of Famille Verte enamels. The treatment of clouds in “ribbons,” the dynamism of the waves in spirals and the abundance of figures bear witness to a late Qing-era production virtuously revisiting the great Chinese mythological narratives.

Through its imposing dimensions and the liveliness of its narrative decor, this piece stands as a remarkable example of display objects intended to furnish literati and bourgeois interiors of the period.

Condition : Good overall. UV checked.

Provenance : Kanaka The Collection, Portugal

Sent with UPS and insurance