Chinese 19th Century painted porcelain jardiniere

The jardinière is shaped like an up-turned bell. It has a slightly tapered base and broad upper body, with a flared rim.

The piece encircled at its base by a gilt band. Above, the body of the jardinière is painted a royal blue colour, typical of Chinese ceramics. White forms with gilt outlines decorate the jardinière body. These take the form of two large circular medallions, smaller acorn-shaped profiles and multi-lobed shapes. These forms have been beautifully hand-painted with images of Chinese figures in traditional costume, birds, buildings, and landscapes.

Of particular note is the scene on the front of the jardinière, which depicts three Chinese women, most likely a mother and her two children. They sit together, two busy working on embroideries, while the third watches, possibly learning the craft from her mother. In the space around the figures are several vases full of flowers and butterflies. A sun hangs low in the sky above them.

The shoulders of the jardinière are mounted with small green-coloured handles, which take the form of shishi (Chinese guardian stone lions). The shishi hold gilt ring handles in their mouths.

Above, the jardinière flares outwards around its rim, and is decorated with colourful depictions of flowers and butterflies.