Fine Chinese Millefleurs and Iron-Red Ribbon-Wrapped Vase

Fine Chinese Millefleurs and Iron-Red Ribbon-Wrapped Vase with Dual Dragons, Late Qing to Early Republic Period, Circa 1900

A rare and well-preserved example of Late Qing to Early Republic Period, Circa 1900 from China, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

Fine Chinese Millefleurs and Iron-Red Ribbon-Wrapped Vase with Dual Dragons, Late Qing to Early Republic Period, Circa 1900 A masterfully potted Chinese porcelain vase standing at 18 cm in good condition, presenting an extraordinary confluence of imperial-revival motifs and meticulous studio execution. The upper globular body and slender neck are densely enameled in a vibrant millefleurs ("thousand flowers") tapestry featuring overlapping peony and chrysanthemum blossoms, intricately outlined with fine gilt tracing (keuxian). Winding dynamically through this floral field are contrasting dual dragons—one meticulously rendered in a gleaming gilt outline, and its counterpart in a pale, icy-blue scale pattern. Encompassing the lower shoulder is a striking coral-red sash tied in a prominent bow and overlaid with gilt line-work depicting auspicious clouds. The interior and base are coated in a controlled, smooth turquoise-green enamel, framing a crisp underglaze blue six-character seal mark. Dating to the transitional turn of the 20th century (circa 1900), this piece reflects the high-grade technical mastery of late Qing to early Republic studio production, offering exceptional visual impact for the sophisticated collector or interior space. Height: 18cm Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London "The sculptural form borrows heavily from the celebrated 18th-century imperial 'wrapped-brocade pouch' (Baoguozun) prototypes housed in master collections like the Musée Guimet in Paris. While standard flat-painted millefleurs cabinet wares from the late Qing and Republic eras appear on the secondary market, surviving examples featuring an integrated, three-dimensional molded ribbon sash are exceedingly rare due to the high failure rate of firing disparate ceramic weights in the kiln. This piece represents a highly uncommon, collector-grade hybrid of two distinct imperial traditions."

— Details

Origin

China

Period

Late Qing to Early Republic Period, Circa 1900

Material

Porcelain

Dimensions

18cm

Condition

Excellent — see description