Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Enamel and Bronze Mounted Vases Penny Marshall

These cloisonné enamel vases are wonderful pieces of Chinese decorative art. They were crafted in the last decade of the Qing dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1911. The vases a...

Pair of very large Chinese cloisonné enamel vases with French ormolu mounts Chinese and French, 20th century Height 215cm, diameter 78cm These superb vases bring together exceptional Chinese enamelling with ornate French ormolu mounts, combining the complex cloisonné technique with sumptuously detailed gilt-bronze additions. The ovoid-form vases are applied with lavish natural designs on the main body, decorated with eye-catching birds and butterflies amongst flowers and shrubbery. The animal and foliate motifs are set on top of a cream ground with intricate geometric patterning that emphasises the elaborate design of the vases. The necks of the vases are similarly decorated with birds and greenery. The necks and feet also feature ornate geometric patterns that complement the natural colour palette of the main body, adding further intricacy to the enamelled designs. Surmounting the vases is a pierced ormolu rim, which features acanthus-style and pineapple designs which complement the foliate imagery on the vases below. Each vase is mounted on four gilt-bronze feet cast in the shape of Chinese 'Foo' winged lions, combining impressive Chinese motifs with exceptional French craftsmanship. Cross-cultural pieces like these vases were highly popular decorative wares in late 19th century Europe; likewise, this pair effortlessly synthesise the design styles of the East and the West into monumental items with ornate and colourful designs. Provenance: From the collection of Larry Flynt...