Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 7 November 2017, London
A famille rose two-handled 'birds and flowers' vase, 19th century, four-character Shende Tang Zhi mark in iron-red
Lot 280. A famille rose two-handled 'birds and flowers' vase, 19th century, four-character Shende Tang Zhi mark in iron-red. 21 in. (53.3 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 10,000 - GBP 15,000. Price realised GBP 20,000. © Christies Images Ltd 2017
The vase is decorated to one side of the body with two magpies perched upon prunus branches, surrounded by large peonies growing from rocks, and to the other side with chrysanthemum and lotus blooms and a small insect in flight above. The neck is decorated with stylised lotus scrolls bearing auspicious fruits, between a bat and a chime to either side, all on a yellow ground. It is applied with two iron-red and gilt-decorated stylised dragon-form handles. The base and interior are enamelled turquoise.
Provenance: Property of a European Collection.