Vase - Porcelain - China - Jin Chan and Liu Hai Vase

An exceptionally large and well-decorated Chinese famille verte porcelain rouleau vase. This impressive piece stands 47 cm tall and features an unusually detailed and rare narrative scene painted in vibrant overglaze enamels.

The central decoration depicts several figures in a garden setting. The main figure is a fierce warrior, probably Zhong Kui (the Demon Queller), recognizable by his beard and weapon, standing on a wheeled cart. He is surrounded by other figures and 'boys', one holding a prominent ceremonial banner.

The Unique Frog Feature:
The most remarkable and rare feature of this vase is found hanging from a long bamboo pole held by one of the boys. Suspended by its leg is a large, green frog (or toad). In Chinese mythology, the three-legged toad, known as Jin Chan (Money Toad), is a powerful symbol of wealth and prosperity. The act of "catching" or pulling the toad, often performed by the immortal Liu Hai, is a classic motif representing the attainment of fortune, attraction of wealth, financial prosperity and good luck. The representation here, with the frog hanging from the pole in this specific manner, is extremely uncommon in this size and quality of famille verte porcelain, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of narrative Chinese ceramics.

The vase is further adorned with a variety of symbolic motifs, including blossoming plum and peach branches (longevity), chrysanthemums, and various ornamental bands around the neck and foot. The rim is finished with a delicate red iron spiral border, and the neck features the characteristic stiff leaf decoration.

Under close inspection or direct lighting, the glazes exhibit a beautiful, delicate mother-of-pearl-like iridescence (irisation). This subtle rainbow effect is a highly prized characteristic often seen on high-quality 19th-century famille verte enameled porcelain, formed naturally through the gentle aging and crystallization of the lead-based overglaze enamels over time.

The base features an apocryphal six-character Kangxi mark in underglaze blue.

Height: 47 cm.
Diameter: 20 cm.

Great condition: no damage or repairs, only some minor age wear. Please see the photos for a full impression.

Buyers from outside the EU: please note that you might have to pay customs charges, we have to include an invoice and state the price (hammer price) on the package, we cannot change this. Thank you for your understanding.