Decorative

THE LITTLECOTE HOUSE 'WILLS' MONUMENTAL FLOOR VASE ...

A rare and well-preserved example of 19TH CENTURY from Late 19th Century, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

The Littlecote House ''Wills'' Monumental Floor Vase\nA Rare 59cm Famille Rose ''Medallion'' Masterpiece Late 19th Century\nFrom the Eminent Collection of Sir Ernest Salter Wills, 3rd Baronet\n\nA monumental and deeply historical Chinese porcelain floor vase of imposing scale (59cm), representing a magnificent example of Late Qing decorative art. This substantial vessel boasts an impeccable 100-year provenance within the prestigious Wills tobacco dynasty and is a verified survivor of the grandest era of British Country House collecting. Expertly hand-potted with the significant weight characteristic of authentic 19th-century manufacture, the vase features a vibrant lemon-yellow graviata ground. This lush backdrop is intricately decorated with scrolling lotus vines and auspicious bats, framing two large, exquisitely painted medallions of courtly figures in traditional palace settings. The neck is flanked by twin gilded lion-mask handles, with four high-relief chilong dragons applied to the shoulders. The base is marked with a six-character underglaze blue Guangxu mark, aligning the piece with the celebrated aesthetic and stylistic traditions of the late 19th century.\n\nStructural Condition: Very Good; the vessel is entirely free from chips, cracks, or professional repairs. Enamels & Decoration: The Famille Rose palette remains vibrant and exceptionally well-preserved. Gilding: Displays honest, age-commensurate rubbing to the mask handles and applied dragons, confirming its long-standing display and ''lived-in'' history at Littlecote House.

— Details

Reference

SA1200646

Origin

Late 19th Century

Period

19TH CENTURY

Dimensions

H 59cm

Provenance

The G. S. May Esquire Private Collection, London\nThe Collection of the late Sir David Seton & Lady Wills, Tower House.\nFormerly the collection of Sir Ernest Salter Wills, 3rd Baronet (1869--1958), Littlecote House, Berkshire.\nAccompanied by original in-situ photographs of the vase within the Wills family residence, confirming its position in the home's curated interior.

Condition

Excellent — see description