A pair of large Chinese export porcelain rose medallion, or famille rose, vases are notable for their impressive scale and finely detailed decoration. Famille rose, specifically the Canton or Rose Medallion style, was highly popular for export to Western markets during the 19th century and remains a sought-after example of period export porcelain.
These vases are prized both for their decorative appeal and their historical context. They feature carefully hand-painted panels depicting scenes of figures in courtly or garden settings, alternating with companion panels depicting birds, butterflies, and stylized flowers. All are set against an intricate floral and tendril ground that demonstrates skilled brushwork and compositional balance.
The vases are richly ornamented with overglaze enamels, most notably the delicate pinks that define the “famille rose” palette, complemented by greens, yellows, and iron red tones. Generous gilt accents highlight the composition throughout, adding a luminous finish and visual depth. The necks and shoulders are further enhanced with applied, sculpted gilt handles, typically rendered as dragons or fu lions. These handles add sculptural presence, tactile interest, and period character to these impressive export pieces.
Size: 8” D x 24” H
C. 1840, China
A pair of large Chinese export porcelain rose medallion, or famille rose, vases are notable for their impressive scale and finely detailed decoration. Famille rose, specifically the Canton or Rose Medallion style, was highly popular for export to Western markets during the 19th century and remains a sought-after example of period export porcelain.
These vases are prized both for their decorative appeal and their historical context. They feature carefully hand-painted panels depicting scenes of figures in courtly or garden settings, alternating with companion panels depicting birds, butterflies, and stylized flowers. All are set against an intricate floral and tendril ground that demonstrates skilled brushwork and compositional balance.
The vases are richly ornamented with overglaze enamels, most notably the delicate pinks that define the “famille rose” palette, complemented by greens, yellows, and iron red tones. Generous gilt accents highlight the composition throughout, adding a luminous finish and visual depth. The necks and shoulders are further enhanced with applied, sculpted gilt handles, typically rendered as dragons or fu lions. These handles add sculptural presence, tactile interest, and period character to these impressive export pieces.
Size: 8” D x 24” H
C. 1840, China
