Lot 8077. A rare pair of massive powder-blue and gilt vases and covers, Kangxi period. Estimate US$ 50,000 - 70,000 (€45,000 - 63,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Each vase of elongated baluster form, each body divided into twelve vertical lobed sections, each gilded with four peony blossoms and foliate scrolls beneath pendent ruyi and floral cartouches containing radiating chrysanthemum at the shoulder, beneath a band with lotus cartouches alternating with Buddhist symbols, the neck with tasseled precious objects, all on a soft powder-blue ground, the lobed covers each similarly decorated with gilt flowers beneath the finial modeled as a lotus above radiating molded petals, wood stands. 46in (117cm) high, each

Provenance: The Joanna Lau Sullivan Trust

Notes: In the 18th century, Chinese vases of such impressive proportions were much coveted by Europeans, including royalty, who desired such large and exotic porcelain pieces to suit the proportions of palatial public rooms. Such massive pieces are often referred to as 'soldier' or 'dragoon' vases, after an episode in which Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (1670-1733) arranged to trade 600 of his dragoons in exchange for over 151 pieces of porcelain, including tall vases and covers in 1717. Vases of this type are still much valued for their extraordinary construction and imposing presence: compare for example a single blue and white 'soldier' vase sold in our London rooms, 12 May 2011, sale 18827, lot 317, and a pair painted with a decorative floral design also sold in our London rooms, 10 July 2006, sale 13740, lot 107.

The softly speckled powder-blue glaze, delicately enhanced with gilding, was also extremely popular in its own right. The careful division of the vase into lobed segments with a formal design of flowers and other natural motifs is particularly well-suited to the expansive exterior surface, and is echoed in blue and white vases of the same period. It is however exceptionally rare to find massive vases such as the present lot in the powder-blue and gilt palette.

Bonham's. CHINESE WORKS OF ART, 11:00 EDT - NEW YORK