Pair Late 19th Century Famille Rose Lotus Pond Jardinieres

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Pair of Late 19th Century Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Lotus Pond Jardinieres With Birds & Dragonflies

An impressive matched pair … Read more Pair of Late 19th Century Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Lotus Pond Jardinieres With Birds & Dragonflies

An impressive matched pair of large Chinese porcelain jardinieres, richly decorated in famille-rose enamels with continuous lotus-pond scenes populated by birds and insects.

Each substantial vessel measures approximately 12.5 inches high and 14 inches across the upper rim, tapering to approximately 12 inches across the base.

The pale celadon-white porcelain bodies are extensively decorated with large pink and iron-red lotus blossoms, lotus buds, broad green leaves, aquatic plants and foliage. Numerous colorful birds appear throughout the scenes, including birds in flight and waterfowl swimming among stylized rippling water. Dragonflies and other finely rendered details animate the surrounding pond landscape.

The decoration is particularly appealing when the pair is viewed from different angles, as the imagery continues around the bodies rather than presenting only a single principal reserve.

A highly decorative polychrome border encircles the upper portion of each jardinière, executed in yellow, pink and pale turquoise with repeating ruyi-inspired forms. A second elaborate geometric/floral border surrounds the lower body in coordinating pink, turquoise, yellow, green and cobalt enamels.

The broad flattened rims are further embellished with spaced iron-red floral scroll motifs.

Close examination reveals attractive variations in the hand-applied decoration, including differences in outlining, shading, feather detail, flowers, leaves and repeated border elements.

Both vessels are heavily potted and remain unmarked on the underside. The bases display substantial natural wear and discoloration consistent with previous use.

The interiors show extensive historic planter use, including soil/mineral staining, discoloration and surface deposits. Rather than disguising their original purpose, these signs of use contribute to their character as functional decorative jardinieres.

The pair is believed to date to the late 19th century / late Qing period, based on their form, construction and decorative treatment. Because the pieces are unmarked, an exact kiln, maker and year of manufacture have not been established.

The lotus-pond subject has a long history in Chinese decorative arts. Comparable 19th-century Chinese porcelain jardinieres documented by established antiques specialists incorporate continuous famille-rose lotus flowers, foliage and birds. One documented mid-19th-century example measures approximately 14¼ inches in diameter, remarkably close in scale to this pair.

Offered together as a matched pair.

Dimensions, each: approximately 14"W × 14"D × 12.5"H.

Base diameter: approximately 12".

Quantity: 2. See less