Large French lidded vase in the Chinese famille rose style – hand-painted porcelain, first half 20th century

Large French lidded vase in the Chinese famille rose style – hand-painted porcelain

A large lidded vase (potiche, temple jar) in French porcelain, hand-painted in enamel colours in the style of Chinese famille rose porcelain from Canton. The baluster-shaped vase has on either side a yellow, finely stippled cartouche with a rich floral arrangement: peonies, lotus and tendrils around a flower vase and a blue ornamental stand. The background is a dense brocade pattern of ruby-red scrolls on sky blue. The domed cover has a finial in the shape of a flower bud. The base bears the mark: a double axe painted in red with the word ‘France’.

Why we chose this piece

This is chinoiserie as French porcelain painters loved to make it: inspired by Chinese export porcelain, but with its own exuberant use of colour. The patient stippling on the yellow ground and the bold combination of yellow, red, blue and green make this vase a real eye-catcher. At 44 cm high, it is also a generous piece.

Style and interior

Beautiful in a classic or Hollywood Regency interior, on a sideboard, mantelpiece or side table, but also as a colourful accent in a calm, modern interior. Combine it with Asian porcelain, lacquerware or rattan for a refined chinoiserie atmosphere.

Dimensions: 44 cm high (with cover), diameter 33 cm
Material: porcelain, hand-painted in enamel colours
Style: chinoiserie, in the Chinese famille rose (Canton) style
Period: first half of the 20th century
Origin: France; mark: red double axe with ‘France’ on the base (maker not identified)
Quantity: 1 (vase with cover)
Condition: good condition. The painting is fresh in colour and complete, with no chips or cracks to the vase. The finial of the cover was once broken off and reattached; around the joint there are small restorations and retouching, showing as a glossy dark red patch (photo 4). The unglazed rim of the neck, where the cover rests, is lightly discoloured from use (photo 8). The unglazed foot ring shows light signs of use and the glazed base has a few small firing specks (photo 9).
Price:
€ 295

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