19th Century Black Lacquer Bottle Vases

A pair of incredibly rare and exquisite early to mid-19th century Chinese black lacquer, gilt, and polychrome-decorated bottle vases, Fuzhou (Foochow), China, circa 1830-60.

Why We Like Them

Exceptional gilt decoration of the finest quality, very good state of preservation given the fragility of these delicate items. Executed in the celebrated Fuzhou bodiless lacquerware technique, achieving remarkable lightness. Traditionally decorated with dragons in gold and red. Superbly decorative pieces.

Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. Available to order through best luxury goods retailers of the era, such exquisite items as lacquerware, botanical gouaches or reverse-painted glass, were manufactured in Canton to be shipped to Europe.

Dimensions

Height: 37cm / 14.5"

Diameter: 18cm / 7"

Condition

The vases are presented in a very good state of preservation given their age and the fragility of these delicate items. Minor rubbing to decoration; minor historic chips, nibbles and cracks to lacquer.