Chinese porcelain baluster vase, Canton palace, dignitaries, dragons, Qing dynasty, 19th century
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A baluster-shaped vase in polychrome Chinese porcelain in the Canton style, richly decorated with lively palace scenes featuring numerous figures, dating from the late Qing dynasty, 19th century. It has a slender silhouette with a flared neck.
Two side handles in the shape of Foo dogs are modeled in high relief on the sides. Four small turquoise Chilong dragons are also applied in relief on the shoulder of the vase.
The body is decorated on both sides with large court or palace scenes depicting about ten dignitaries, scholars, and servants in colorful traditional robes (red, green, pink, yellow) around an audience table. On the neck, smaller rectangular cartouches present secondary scenes with two figures in conversation in an interior setting.
The floral and animal intercalary decoration that separates the two large court scenes of the vase includes a dense scattering of green leaves and blooming pink flowers (mainly peonies and chrysanthemums) as well as a brown and white bird perched in the center of the floral composition.
This vase is in good condition and of superb quality. It is a very beautiful decorative piece, remarkable for the fineness of its hand-painted details and the richness of its colors.
Note: traces of paint at the bottom, chipping and small chips at the neck, some slight enameling defects on the decorations, wear and tear from time, look carefully at the detail photos (see red arrows).