Skip to product information
1 of 12

Large Baluster Vase, Porcelain, Imperial Dragon Decoration, 19th Century

Large Baluster Vase, Porcelain, Imperial Dragon Decoration, 19th Century

SKU:VAS-DRA-1060

Regular price €950,00
Regular price Sale price €950,00
Sale Reserved
Shipping calculated at checkout.

A spectacular 52 cm high piece

Iconography & Eclectic Symbolism

This large covered baluster vase instantly captures the gaze with its scale and richness of execution. Entirely hand-painted in shades of cobalt blue, it displays a traditional motif of floral scrolls amidst which powerful imperial dragons soar. The latter are depicted with 5 claws, a symbol of the Emperor's power.
The shoulder is adorned with four lion guardian heads applied in relief. The lid, meanwhile, is topped by a superb gripping knob in the form of a Foo Dog (or Buddhist lion). In Asian tradition, this protective lion surmounting the dome symbolizes sacred guardianship, warding off negative influences and watching over the home, which gives the object a dual aesthetic and protective dimension.

Epigraphy & Deciphering the Mark

The base of the vase features a complete six-character honorary mark, hand-painted in underglaze blue in the regular kaishu script:
                                                     熙年製 大清康
 
Right column (top to bottom): 大 (Dà - Great) | 清 (Qīng - Qing) | 康 (Kāng)
Left column (top to bottom): 熙 (Xī - occupying the remainder of the Emperor's name) | 年 (Nián - Years) | 製 (Zhì - Made)
Full translation: "Made during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Great Qing Dynasty (1662–1722)."
In accordance with the customs of the late Qing period (19th century), this is an honorary apocryphal mark. In the 19th century, master potters in Jingdezhen affixed these characters with the intention of respectfully situating their work within the technical and aesthetic continuity of the golden age of imperial porcelain.

THE OPINION OF THE GALERIE POPINCOURT

What we particularly like about this large covered vase is its grounding in the decorative tradition of the late Qing Dynasty. While the base bears the prestigious mark of the Kangxi Emperor, analysis of its glaze, cobalt blue, and the treatment of its base points us with certainty to the 19th century. At that time, Chinese workshops redoubled their craftsmanship to revive the great eras of imperial art.
Sporting the mythical 5-clawed imperial dragon, this spectacularly shaped piece (52 cm) is a witness to the end of Chinese imperial history, whose presence and aesthetic magnetism remain incomparable.

Information 

Origin: China (Jingdezhen)
Provenance: Private collection, France
Period: Late Qing Dynasty (19th century)
Material: Blue and white glazed porcelain
Dimensions: Height: 52 cm | Maximum diameter: 25 cm
Marking: 6-character Kangxi tribute mark under the base
Net weight: 6.850 kg
Condition: Excellent general state of preservation for a 19th-century piece. No cracks, no restoration. Slight firing irregularities and natural wear under the unglazed base.

Contents of the shipment 

19th-century baluster vase with Foo Dog lid and Imperial Dragons
Certificate of authenticity


The POPINCOURT Gallery's Commitment

The ambiance visuals are creations, carefully designed by GALERIE POPINCOURT to help you envision the object in a particular setting.

Color Rendition: While we capture the true essence of each piece, nuances may vary slightly depending on the scene's lighting and your screen settings.

Accessories & Decoration: Furniture elements, textiles, or decorative objects surrounding the product (vases, books, side tables, etc.) are presentation suggestions. Only the item described in the title and the ad's text is offered for sale.

COA procedures

DIGITAL CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

A certificate of authenticity accompanies your purchase. No action is required on your part:

Your document in PDF format will be automatically sent to you by email within a maximum of 15 business days, once the delivery of your order has been confirmed by the carrier.
This secure digital format ensures the optimal preservation of your collectible documents.

Note

Lifestyle visuals are creative works, carefully designed by GALERIE POPINCOURT to help you visualize the object in a setting.

Color rendering: Although we capture the true essence of each piece, shades may vary slightly depending on the lighting of the scene and your screen settings.

Accessories & Decoration: The furniture, textiles, or decorative items surrounding the product (vases, books, accent furniture, etc.) are presentation suggestions. Only the object described in the title and the text of the listing is offered for sale.

View full details

Last glances

Unique emotions, inspired interiors