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Chinese Famille Rose of Elephant Form Joss or Candlestick

$1,800
£1,347.27
€1,556.79
CA$2,496
A$2,795.84
CHF 1,453.53
MX$34,523.01
NOK 18,516.78
SEK 17,504.74
DKK 11,617.62
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About the Item

An exquisite Chinese porcelain joss stick holder dating to the early 19th century, crafted in the renowned famille rose palette. This piece is beautifully shaped in the form of a caparisoned elephant, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture representing strength, wisdom, good fortune, and protection. Elephants adorned with ceremonial coverings (caparisons) signify dignity and royal status, often associated with auspiciousness and spiritual guidance. The joss stick holder is meticulously enameled with famille rose colors, characterized by their soft, opaque pinks and vibrant hues achieved through a palette of finely ground enamels applied over the glazed porcelain surface. This technique, developed during the Qing dynasty, allowed artisans to achieve intricate detailing and a broad spectrum of colors previously unavailable, giving the porcelain a richly decorative and painterly quality. Delicate parcel gilding further enhances the piece, adding luxurious highlights and elevating its visual impact. The meticulous enamel work showcases the technical mastery of Qing dynasty ceramicists, who skillfully balanced artistry with functional ritual use. Famille rose porcelain had a profound impact beyond China’s borders, captivating European collectors and inspiring Western decorative arts from the 18th century onward. Its vibrant palette and refined craftsmanship influenced Rococo and later Neoclassical styles, shaping patterns in porcelain manufacturing and decorative motifs in Europe. The fascination with Chinese porcelain, known as Chinoiserie, led to the incorporation of Eastern aesthetics and techniques into Western design, blurring cultural boundaries and fostering global artistic exchange. This joss stick holder stands as a beautiful testament to the rich symbolic traditions and technical innovations of Qing dynasty porcelain, while also highlighting its enduring legacy in shaping cross-cultural artistic influences.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1870
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Kilmarnock, VA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU883041477302

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