Cartier Silver-Mounted Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottles in Original Box

A Highly Rare Pair of Monumental Qing Dynasty Rouleau Porcelain "Dragon" Vases A Masterful Display of 19th Century Chinese Artistry: The mid-19th century Qing Dynasty marked a period of artistic innovation and imperial grandeur, as exemplified by this rare and monumental pair of Rouleau vases. These exceptional porcelain works, notable for their commanding size and vibrant palette, are a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship that flourished during this era. Embellished with a dynamic tableau of dragons rendered in bold hues of red, green, blue, brown, and yellow, these vases embody both artistic brilliance and the deep cultural symbolism woven into Chinese decorative arts. Artistic Excellence and Symbolism: At the heart of these magnificent vases lies a visual narrative that channels the power and mystique of the dragon, a central motif in Chinese culture symbolizing imperial authority, strength, and cosmic energy. The intricate depiction of dragons in motion, intertwined amidst stylized ocean waves, conveys a sense of fluidity and dynamic movement. Each color used—the crimson reds, verdant greens, striking blues, earthy browns, and golden yellows—has been meticulously applied, reflecting a mastery of the high-fired, polychrome enameling techniques perfected during the Qing Dynasty. The Rouleau form, with its cylindrical body, short neck, and slightly flared mouth, was a favored shape for large-scale vases in the 18th and 19th centuries. The form’s structured elegance allowed for expansive decorative panels, serving as an ideal canvas for intricate, multi-layered designs. This pair demonstrates how artisans skillfully balanced the flowing movement of the dragons with the rhythmic motifs of waves, resulting in a harmonious composition that engages the viewer from every angle. Craftsmanship and Technique: These vases represent the pinnacle of porcelain artistry achieved under the Qing Dynasty, showcasing techniques that reflect centuries of refined craftsmanship. The precision in the application of overglaze enamels and the expert manipulation of kiln temperatures to achieve vibrant and consistent coloration are indicative of the expertise within the imperial kilns. The dragons' scales, rendered with remarkable detail, create a textured effect that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, undulating waves, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the design. The depth of color and the crisp delineation of each element point to a rigorous and time-intensive process. These qualities signify the involvement of highly skilled artisans who adhered to the imperial standards set by the royal court, ensuring that each piece was a fitting representation of the empire’s wealth and cultural prowess. Historical and Cultural Significance: Vases of this caliber were not merely decorative; they were imbued with profound symbolic meaning and often commissioned for imperial use or gifted as prestigious diplomatic offerings. The dragon motif, deeply embedded in Chinese folklore and philosophy, was associated with the emperor himself—known as the "Son of Heaven"—and symbolized his divine right to rule. These vases also reflect the Qing Dynasty's flourishing export trade and the global fascination with Chinese porcelain during the 19th century. European collectors and royal patrons prized such pieces for their artistry and the exoticism they represented, contributing to a legacy that elevated Chinese porcelain to a revered status in the annals of decorative art history. Provenance and Collectability: The extraordinary scale, exceptional craftsmanship, and rarity of this pair establish them as museum-quality works. Such vases would have held a place of honor in a palace or wealthy estate, reflecting not only the owner’s status but also an appreciation for the profound cultural and artistic traditions of China. Their provenance—potentially tied to an imperial commission or significant historical collection—underscores their importance as objects of study and admiration. Provenance: Private American Collection, acquired in London, circa 1905. Thence by descent to the current owners Solomon Treasure...

A rare Meissen Marcolini Porcelain Chinoiserie incense burner vase and cover, made for the Chinese market, circa 1800, blue cross swords and star mark, Pressnummer 58 A Museum Quality Piece. Painted in the sought after famille rose palette with sprigs of indianische Blumen and enriched in gilding, the simulated pierced body supported by four feet painted with stylized dragons, the pierced cover with a Buddhist lion finial. 10" high x 6" wide x 6" deep The shape of this piece, which appears to be unrecorded in the literature, is inspired by similar Chinese porcelain censers from the Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period (1654-1722). An example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated by Li Yi-hua in Qing Porcelain of Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong Periods from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, pl. 65. Another in the British Museum, London (museum no. PDF, A.812) is catalogued as a perfume-holder. These porcelain examples are in turn inspired by ancient Chinese bronzes from both the Shang (1600-1046 BC) and the Zhou (1046-246 BCE) dynasties, an example of which was sold anonymously by Christie's New York, 22 March 2019, lot 1601. This chain of inspiration tracking backwards from the 19th century to antiquity provides a clear example of how ceramics, and indeed other mediums, are able to influence and motivate the works of later generations. For a Meissen porcelain snuff...

An Exquisite Suite of Three French Silver-Mounted Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottles with Coral and Sapphire Adornments by Cartier, Presented in Original Fitted Box This exceptional su...

A vintage Chinese inside painted mini snuff bottle, with a jade cabochon stopper weight: 30 Grams circa: 20th Century