What is Cantonese Famille Rose porcelain?

Cantonese Famille Rose porcelain refers to Chinese ceramics decorated in Guangzhou primarily for export to the West, characterised by vibrant overglaze enamels featuring narrative scenes, flora, and fauna.

What materials were used to construct 19th-century Chinese floor vases?

These pieces were crafted from kaolin clay porcelain, fired at high temperatures, and subsequently decorated with polychrome enamel pigments and gilded accents.

How do you identify authentic Daoguang period Chinese ceramics?

Authentic pieces from the Daoguang period display specific reign marks, characteristic enamel density, hand-painted details with organic variations, and age-consistent wear to the foot rim.

How do designers integrate monumental floor vases into modern interiors?

Designers position large floor vases in entryways, stairwells, or structural alcoves as focal points, balancing contemporary minimalism with historical craftsmanship.

How should antique porcelain vases be cleaned and preserved?

Clean gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive pads, or immersion in water which can damage delicate enamels and gilding.

reserved SA1200215

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Vicky Thomas Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2022

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Canton Famille Rose Vase

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Superb Monumental Cantonese Floor Vase - 19th Century - Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period.

Name: Superb Monumental Cantonese Floor Vase - 19th Century - Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1200215
Price: 2800 GBP
Availability: LimitedAvailability

19th century

For Sale by Vicky Thomas Antiques (Reserved for a buyer)

Description

Here is a truly stunning example of a 19th Century Famille Rose Cantonese Floor Vase, demonstrating exquisite detail and superb craftsmanship.

Standing 88cm high, the baluster shaped vase has four story panels - two on the main body and two smaller examples on the neck depicting the life of the Emperor - in war with acts of heroism and bravery and also in a gentler domestic setting with his family surrounded by calm and elegance. The panels are framed by borders alive with myriad flowers, birds and butterflies, and completed around the top and bottom by dragons chasing flaming pearls.

To the top of the vase are two 'handles' formed of dragons painted with a rich orange ground and highlighted by gilded scales and spurs - sometimes these handles can be quite crude and lumpen, but on this vase they are very fine and delicate - with each writhing dragons body crowned by a ridge of spines. Inside the vase is painted a rich turquoise which contrasts beautifully with the exterior colour palette.

It is of course the decoration on this vase that is the real showstopper - hours can be lost looking at the intricate scenes, and there is not one inch that isn't covered in something something utterly charming from the rather peculiar looking elephant ( not sure that artist had ever seen one in real life ), to the 'ferocious' pussy cat of a tiger, to the brassed-off looking horses - the more you look, the more you discover.

Technically the vase is brilliantly decorated, from the superb detail of the rich fabrics, and wonderful expressions on every face to the rich and vibrant colours and skill in the enamelling - this is a real one off.Gilding highlights every scene, and the texture of the surface has a highly tactile satsuma / tangerine skin like quality with a glossy finish. Some photographs highlight the gloss by showing white patches which is where the light is catching the surface.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to discuss the vase, or if I can answer any questions or provide further photographs.

I offer free delivery within mainland UK, and am very happy to help with quotes for shipping overseas.

Condition Report -

Gentle surface wear consistent with its age.

Invisible minor historical restoration to the rim executed professionally using the original fragment ( please see final photograph)

A small superficial chip to the centre of the base has been professionally restored.

There is no other damage, repair or restoration.

Physical Dimensions

Height

88cm (34.65")

Width

44cm (17.32")

Depth

44cm (17.32")

Declaration

Vicky Thomas Antiques has dated this Cantonese Porcelain Floor Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1200215

Description

Here is a truly stunning example of a 19th Century Famille Rose Cantonese Floor Vase, demonstrating exquisite detail and superb craftsmanship.

Standing 88cm high, the baluster shaped vase has four story panels - two on the main body and two smaller examples on the neck depicting the life of the Emperor - in war with acts of heroism and bravery and also in a gentler domestic setting with his family surrounded by calm and elegance.

“

The panels are framed by borders alive with myriad flowers, birds and butterflies, and completed around the top and bottom by dragons chasing flaming pearls.

Vicky Thomas Antiques

fig 1. A large 19th-century Cantonese porcelain floor vase decorated with polychrome enamel court scenes, floral borders, and gilded dragon handles. — fig 1. Superb Monumental Cantonese Floor Vase - 19th Century - Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period.

To the top of the vase are two 'handles' formed of dragons painted with a rich orange ground and highlighted by gilded scales and spurs - sometimes these handles can be quite crude and lumpen, but on this vase they are very fine and delicate - with each writhing dragons body crowned by a ridge of spines. Inside the vase is painted a rich turquoise which contrasts beautifully with the exterior colour palette.

fig 2. A large 19th-century Cantonese porcelain floor vase decorated with polychrome enamel court scenes, floral borders, and gilded dragon handles. — fig 2. Superb Monumental Cantonese Floor Vase - 19th Century - Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period.

It is of course the decoration on this vase that is the real showstopper - hours can be lost looking at the intricate scenes, and there is not one inch that isn't covered in something something utterly charming from the rather peculiar looking elephant ( not sure that artist had ever seen one in real life ), to the 'ferocious' pussy cat of a tiger, to the brassed-off looking horses - the more you look, the more you discover.

fig 3. A large 19th-century Cantonese porcelain floor vase decorated with polychrome enamel court scenes, floral borders, and gilded dragon handles. — fig 3. Superb Monumental Cantonese Floor Vase - 19th Century - Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period.

Technically the vase is brilliantly decorated, from the superb detail of the rich fabrics, and wonderful expressions on every face to the rich and vibrant colours and skill in the enamelling - this is a real one off.Gilding highlights every scene, and the texture of the surface has a highly tactile satsuma / tangerine skin like quality with a glossy finish. Some photographs highlight the gloss by showing white patches which is where the light is catching the surface.