Pair of Chinese Canton Porcelain Vases, Family Scenes, Birds, Flowers, 1830-1860

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Pair of Chinese Canton Porcelain Vases, Family Scenes, Birds, Flowers, 1830-1860

About the Item

This is a beautiful pair of vases in the "Canton" style, made in China some time between 1830 and 1860. We also have a huge matching lamp base that is taller in size; we'd be happy to offer both lots at a discount. "Canton" porcelain distinguishes itself in the type of colourful enamel painting you see on these vases; it became very popular during the 19th Century. Canton is what is now called Guangzhou, which for many years was the only port for porcelain export to the West. Porcelain was generally produced in the city of Jingdezhen and then decorated for export to the West in 13 factories located on the banks of the Pearl River near Guangzhou, after which they were shipped out. The Canton style is generally this colourful style of lively enamel-painted family or palace scenes, intertwined with beautiful flowers and insects. In the early 19th Century the enamels were extremely bright in colour, while later in the 19th Century they became more subtle; this pair of vases is from the earlier period. These vases form a garniture with the huge lamp base in a separate listing. They are potted in heavy porcelain with gilded lions for handles. The decoration consists of palace or family scenes with figures engaging with each other in both pleasure and business. The panels are surrounded by beautiful details containing flowers, birds and butterflies. The detail of the paintwork is exceptional; look for instance at how the flower petals have some definition, making the flowers "pop"; how the faces of the people consist of pink shades with the forehead and nose left blank in order to give the face depth and the appearance of reflecting the light; and how the folds of the clothing have been picked out in dark colours. This items are unmarked, as is normal for items of this period. Condition Report The vases are in perfect antique condition without any damage or repairs. There is of course some light wear here and there, as can be expected from an item this age. Antique porcelain is never perfect. Everything was handwork and kilns were fired on wood or coal, creating a lot of dust and other particles that could get baked into the porcelain by accident. Due to the shrinkage in the kiln, items can have small firing lines, which should not be seen as damage but as an imperfection of the time of production. I will reflect any damage, repairs, obvious stress marks, crazing or heavy wear in the item description but some minor scratches, nicks, stains and gilt disintegration can be normal for vintage items and need to be taken into account. There is widespread confusion on the internet about the difference between chips and nicks, or hairlines and cracks. I will reflect any damage as truthfully as I can, i.e. a nick is a tiny bit of damage smaller than 1mm and a chip is something you can easily see with the eye; a glazing line is a break in the glazing only; hairline is extremely tight and/or superficial and not picked up by the finger; and a crack is obvious both to the eye and the finger. Dimensions 46cm (18") high incl. the light fittting and 21cm (8.25") diameter.

Dimensions:
Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Diameter: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Chinese Export (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Porcelain,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1830-1860
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In perfect antique condition without any damage or repairs; some light wear.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: LT-CP02b1stDibs: LU4805126337782