Pair of gilt bronze vases with cloisonné enamel decoration, “Dragon and phoenix,” Qing dynasty, 17th

A magnificent and extremely rare piece of goldsmithing, consisting of two assembled cylindrical vases, crafted in gilded bronze and enamelled using the cloisonné technique, notable for the precision of the honeycomb pattern and the vivid colors. Colorful taotie masks are displayed on a turquoise blue background, against a backdrop of spirals and geometric motifs that evoke ritual tradition; all framed by a set of sculptural appliqués in gilded bronze that preside over the center of the piece on each of its sides: on one side, a dragon with a sinuous body and on the other, a phoenix with folded wings. The bulbous, ornate lids are topped with guardian lions (shishi) facing each other and connected by a central ruyi cloud-shaped knot. The smooth, uninscribed base reinforces the formal purity of the piece.

Size: 23 x 11 x 14 cm

Weight: 2632 g

Provenance:

· Columbus Art Museum, Columbus, Georgia, US (1961–2013). (With documentation).

· Acquired at Charlton Hall Auction. Lot 672. June 2013.

· Current Dutch private collection.