Chinese-Export Style Armorial Porcelain Vase

Details

Description

On offer is a Chinese-export style, cylindrical flared trumpet vase. While handsomely styled after 18th-century Qing Dynasty period armorial export … Read more On offer is a Chinese-export style, cylindrical flared trumpet vase. While handsomely styled after 18th-century Qing Dynasty period armorial export wares--in this example bearing a European imperial coat of arms--this piece was made in the 20th-century.
The flared rim and narrow cylindrical body mimic classic 18th-century "spill vases" used to hold tightly rolled paper spills or splints for lighting fires and candles. Vases like this were often produced in sets of three or five, called a garniture, to decorate fireplace mantels or sideboards.
The central motif features a prominent double-headed imperial eagle beneath an imperial crown. The eagle holds a scepter in its left talon and a sword in its right, flanked by the bird’s outstretched wings. The central shield features quarters depicting barry stripes, a stone fortress tower, a rampant lion and a central escutcheon—drawing inspiration from Central European, Austrian, Russian and continental royal heraldry.
The piece utilizes a Famille Rose palette, characterized by the scattered pink floral sprigs around the body. The top rim and bottom base are finished with iron-red, underglaze blue, and gold diaper-pattern accents.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent. See less