Set of four Chinese Canton famille verte porcelain vases

This spectacular set of four Chinese vases is comprised of two pairs, with both pairs decorated in a remarkably consistent manner and with each vase set atop a conforming ormolu base. The vases, known as Canton vases, are of the famille verte, with tones and shades of green predominating. The set is a striking example of Chinese art and demonstrates some of the best craftsmanship from late Qing Dynasty China.

Each vase is so-called ‘mallet shaped’, having a long, ovoid body with a waisted neck and a flared, or lobed, rim. Each vase features applied twin double foo dog gilt handles mounted to the neck, the gilding warmly accenting the white-ground porcelain. The body of each vase is profusely decorated, featuring abundant flowers and foliage—the flowers and foliage serving as frames containing painted panels depicting figural court scenes of a variety of kinds. The colour palette is rich and busy: greens predominate, as is expected with famille verte Chinese porcelain, with moments of red and pink contrasting pleasingly.

The vases are set on later French ormolu bases, with the bases designed in a wonderful style that mixes elements of Chinoiserie with European Baroque. The bases feature Baroque dolphin-form feet and ornate scallop shell aprons.

With stands: Height 107cm, diameter 36cm
Without stands: Height 88cm, diameter 36cm