A Fantastic Pair of 19th Century Chinese Turquoise Ground Cloisonné Dragon Vases

A pair of Chinese cloisonné enamel vases with turquoise blue ground and taotie mask decoration, early 20th century. The vases are constructed in baluster form with wide flared rims and feature characteristic cloisonné work with multicolored enamels set within gilt copper wires. The decoration is applied over a bronze body, visible at the rims and foot rings, consistent with cloisonné. Each vase is decorated in horizontal registers centered around bands of large taotie masks in multicolored enamel, rendered in symmetrical profiles and outlined in copper cloisons. These taotie motifs alternate in color, including deep red, cobalt blue, olive green, and purple tones. The central band is bordered by narrower friezes of ruyi-heads, leiwen (thunder) patterns, stylized floral elements, and eye motifs framed by archaistic triangular lappets. Around the shoulders, a chevron band of lanceolate leaf motifs with white floral emblems is set above additional stylized animal mask motifs featuring eyes and horns. The flared necks are further decorated with mirrored scrollwork and smaller taotie devices on a turquoise leiwen ground, terminating in a ruyi band along the interior and exterior of the rim. These vases are representative of late Qing cloisonné production, which emphasized large-format vessels with elaborate archaistic ornamentation inspired by Shang and Zhou bronze...

Exquisite Pair of Century Chinese Famille Rose Decorated Porcelain Vases with Striking Foo Dog Handles, 1800s. Presenting an awe-inspiring and opulent duo of antique Famille Rose Chinese Porcelain vases, adorned with elaborate motifs and breathtaking craftsmanship. Standing almost waist-high, these vases command attention with their majestic presence and captivating artistry. The prominent aqua background, gracefully envelops each vase, setting the stage for an enchanting display of visual splendor. Delicate white rectangular panels on the neck of each vase feature whimsical scenes portraying highly detailed pheasants, resplendent flowers, intricate foliage, and gracefully entwined tree limbs. The necks culminate in a tulip-edged gold dipped design, lavishly adorned with turquoise enamel that gracefully flows from the lips of the vases into the very heart of their being. The body of each vase showcases larger white rectangular panels, showcasing meticulously hand-painted graceful tree limbs, vibrant pheasants, sprightly sparrows, and charming lyre birds. Amidst this lively scene, an array of multi-colored flowers and leaves effortlessly breathe life into the composition, while charming aqua blue funghi add a touch of whimsy to the spectacle. The aqua background of the remaining surfaces of the vases, is skillfully adorned with enamels in relief, showcasing a plethora of resplendent hand-painted multi-toned colorful blossoms and foliate, meticulously hand painted in mild relief and scattered to create an elegantly harmonious and evenly spread-out design. Gracing the upper belly of each vase, magnificent tiny dragons take center stage in intricate high relief, lavishly painted with 24K gold enamel. Their sinuous forms and exquisite detailing bring a sense of majestic energy to the vases, adding a touch of awe-inspiring grandeur. However, it is the handles of these vases that truly steal the limelight. Crafted with unparalleled artistry, they feature larger Foo Dogs...

China, early 20th century Excellent condition for this pair of enameled and gilded cloisonné vases with floral motifs. On the bottom of each paper label with inventory number written...

Pair of exceptional antique (late 19th century) Meiji period Japanese metal vases with fine cloisonne enameled designs of guardian lions and dragons. Each 20 1/4 inches tall and 9 i...