East Asia, China, late Qing Dynasty, ca. 1840s CE. A gorgeous set of two matching pottery vases with inverted piriform bodies, flat bases, slightly carinated shoulders, and tapered rims meant to accommodate the accompanying lids. Each cream-hued vessel is decorated with a bottom panel of flowing grasses and earthen mounds, interspersed clouds, and bulbous floating forms nearly hidden among the enormity of two flying dragons that are perhaps engaged in aerial combat. The shoulder of each vessel is adorned with a quartet of stylized dragon heads with two lateral perforations for suspension. Each lid features additional azure clouds as well as a finial handle in the form of a seated foo dog. These charming vessels are sure to accentuate any collection! Size of each (w/ lids): 12.9" W x 22" H (32.8 cm x 55.9 cm)
Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection, acquired 2017; ex-Burke Antiques, Sarasota, Florida, USA
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#164517
Condition
One vessel has several small repairs to foot, and the second vessel has a few dragon head suspension appliques reattached to shoulder, both instances with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines; both lids are intact and very good. Abrasions, pitting, and fading to pigment commensurate with age, with light encrustations within interior cavities. Great preservation to zoomorphic motifs and original pigment on bodies and lids.