Porcelain - China - It was Mao Zedong

Pair of Chinese vases, early 20th century, Mao Zedong era, S. XX - China

Exquisite pair of Chinese porcelain vases, made around the 1930s. With a classic, elegant silhouette, they stand out for their pierced handles, symmetrically sculpted on both sides of the neck. The decoration, concentrated on a single face, unfolds a rich cobalt blue range, from intense dark strokes to soft washes that give volume to the scene. The central composition portrays an exuberant natural landscape in which mythical and regal birds perch among stylized rocks and abundant floral vegetation.

The central design tells the traditional motif of auspicious nature through the representation of the Chinese phoenix (Fenghuang) and the peacock, harmoniously integrated among dense arrangements of flowers. In Chinese culture, the phoenix embodies the supreme virtue, grace, peace, and the status of the Empress, acting as a magnet for blessings and cosmic harmony. The flowers surrounding the birds, among which peonies and chrysanthemums stand out, are not merely ornamental; the peony is considered the queen of flowers in Asian art and symbolizes wealth, honor, beauty, and economic prosperity. When regal birds join the peonies in a single composition, the vases convey a complete message of positive omens, shared prosperity, and lasting peace for the home.

This type of piece was extraordinarily common in Qing dynasty local and export markets, being an essential element in both domestic altars and the reception rooms of wealthy families of the era. They come from the indisputable world capital of porcelain, the Jingdezhen region, located in Jiangxi’s southern province. The area boasted the purest kaolin deposits and a millennia-old tradition of imperial and commercial kilns that allowed standardization and mastery in the use of cobalt blue under glaze.

The side molded handles that flank the neck carry a crucial symbolic and aesthetic load for dynastic art. Although formally presented in a stylized, pierced form, their design directly derives from protective figures of Chinese mythology, resembling archaic dragons (Chilong) or Fo dogs (Shi), guardians of temples and palaces.

Category: Vase
Material: Porcelain
Period: 20th Century
Origin: China
Dimensions: 58 x 22 cm
Condition: Good condition for age and use
Shipping of the product will be borne by the buyer and calculated according to the dimensions, weight, and destination of the order. Once purchased, we will contact you to arrange personalized shipping. Transport will be conducted under Incoterms DAP, meaning delivery will be made to the address indicated by the buyer, who will be responsible for any possible import costs and taxes. Shipping costs include custom professional packing, shipment tracking, and transportation guarantee, ensuring that each piece arrives in perfect condition.