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Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty
Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €5,675     $6,160
£4,850
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
Id #SA1200575
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Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty

19th century
Description

Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover

Qing Dynasty, Mid-to-Late 19th Century

Standing at an impressive 70cm in height, this monumental porcelain vase is of elegant "shoulder" form, tapering gracefully to a recessed base. The vase is surmounted by its original high-domed cover, which features a finely sculpted and Gilded Buddhist Lion (Foo Dog) finial.

The body is vibrantly decorated in the classic Famille Rose palette, featuring large, shaped "narrative reserves". These panels depict detailed "Mandarin" court scenes, including scholars, elegantly attired ladies, and attendants within architectural and garden settings. The figure painting is of superior quality, characterized by "iron-wire" thin calligraphic lines and expressive facial features.

Accompanied by original photograph showing the vase in the residence of Sir David Seton & Lady Wills.

Condition

Presented in excellent antique condition. There are no visible signs of cracks, chips, or professional restoration to the body or the cover. There is a slight, honest wear to the gilding on the rim, which serves as a testament to its 19th-century origin and century-long stewardship.

Provenance:

The G. S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

The Collection of the late Sir David Seton & Lady Wills, Tower House.

Formerly the collection of Sir Ernest Salter Wills, 3rd Baronet (1869–1958), Littlecote House, Berkshire.

Specialist’s Note:

"This 70cm masterpiece represents the height of 19th-century Cantonese export porcelain. Its monumental scale suggests it was originally commissioned for a grand interior, a fact mirrored by its long-standing presence in the collection of Sir Ernest Salter Wills at Littlecote House. The 'Rose Mandarin' scenes are executed with a level of refinement rarely seen on pieces of this size. To find a vase of this magnitude with its original cover intact and an unbroken chain of 'Country House' provenance is an exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector."

Physical Dimensions
Height
70cm (27.56")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Cantonese Rose Mandarin Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1200575
Description
Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover

Qing Dynasty, Mid-to-Late 19th Century

Standing at an impressive 70cm in height, this monumental porcelain vase is of elegant "shoulder" form, tapering gracefully to a recessed base.
Sandbanks Antiques

The vase is surmounted by its original high-domed cover, which features a finely sculpted and Gilded Buddhist Lion (Foo Dog) finial.

fig 1. A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.
fig 1. Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty

The body is vibrantly decorated in the classic Famille Rose palette, featuring large, shaped "narrative reserves". These panels depict detailed "Mandarin" court scenes, including scholars, elegantly attired ladies, and attendants within architectural and garden settings. The figure painting is of superior quality, characterized by "iron-wire" thin calligraphic lines and expressive facial features.

fig 2. A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.
fig 2. Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty

Accompanied by original photograph showing the vase in the residence of Sir David Seton & Lady Wills.

Condition

Presented in excellent antique condition. There are no visible signs of cracks, chips, or professional restoration to the body or the cover. There is a slight, honest wear to the gilding on the rim, which serves as a testament to its 19th-century origin and century-long stewardship.

fig 3. A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.
fig 3. Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty

Provenance:

The G. S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

The Collection of the late Sir David Seton & Lady Wills, Tower House.

Formerly the collection of Sir Ernest Salter Wills, 3rd Baronet (1869–1958), Littlecote House, Berkshire.

fig 4. A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.
fig 4. Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty

Specialist’s Note:

"This 70cm masterpiece represents the height of 19th-century Cantonese export porcelain. Its monumental scale suggests it was originally commissioned for a grand interior, a fact mirrored by its long-standing presence in the collection of Sir Ernest Salter Wills at Littlecote House. The 'Rose Mandarin' scenes are executed with a level of refinement rarely seen on pieces of this size. To find a vase of this magnitude with its original cover intact and an unbroken chain of 'Country House' provenance is an exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector."

Height
70cm (27.56")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Cantonese Rose Mandarin Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1200575
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.
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Archive I A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.

Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty

Archive II A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View II
Archive III A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View IX
Archive X A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View X
Archive XI A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XI
Archive XII A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XII
Archive XIII A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XIII
Archive XIV A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XIV
Archive XV A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XV
Archive XVI A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XVI
Archive XVII A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XVII
Archive XVIII A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial. View XVIII
Enlarged Archival View
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Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 177
Items Sold 79
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
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Sold
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A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.
Monumental 19th Century Cantonese 'Rose Mandarin' Baluster Vase and Cover - Qing Dynasty
Ref: SA1200575
A 19th-century Cantonese Rose Mandarin porcelain baluster vase decorated with narrative figure panels, floral enamel borders, and a domed cover topped with a gilt foo dog finial.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Rose Mandarin porcelain is a style of Chinese export ware produced predominantly in Canton during the 19th century, characterised by detailed courtly human figures painted in polychrome enamels within reserve panels surrounded by floral and insect motifs.

These vessels were hand-thrown from kaolin clay, fired at high temperatures, and subsequently decorated over the glaze with enamels and gilding before undergoing a second lower-temperature firing in Cantonese workshops.

Authentic pieces display hand-painted enamel application with slight tactile relief, irregular hand-gilded highlights, characteristic iron-red borders around figures, and natural firing marks along unglazed foot rims.

A monumental baluster vase serves as a focal statement piece when positioned on a grand sideboard, in an entryway, or alongside neutral furnishings to provide historical texture and colour contrast.

Dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth or soft brush, avoiding chemical cleaners, immersion in water, or abrasive scrubbing that could erode delicate overglaze enamels and gilding.
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