Lot 1266. A Rare ’Vietnamese Market’ Enamel on Copper ’Dragon’ Vase, mark and period of Thiệu Trị (1841‑1847). Height: 37.5 cm. Estimate 20.000 - 25.000 SEK (€ 1.800 - 2.300) © Upsala Auktions Kammare

The tall baluster body rising from a domed and slightly spreading foot to a profiled shoulder set with a trumpet neck with two opposing bat handles, painted in bright polychrome enamels on a yellow ground, the body decorated with four fierce five-clawed dragons in pursuit of the flaming pearl amongst stylized clouds and ribbons of flame above a lappet border skirting the foot, the shoulder with a greek-key frieze above a border of ruyi-heads, the foot adorned with a floral band, the neck decorated further with dragons in pursuit of the flaming pearl above a border of upward lappets, a turquoise thunder border encircling the flared rim, the interior enamelled in turquoise, base enamelled in white and with a seal mark of Thiệu Trị in red. 

The present vase is an impressive example of enamel wares that were either created in Vietnam or in China for the Vietnamese market. The present vase bears the seal mark of Emperor Thiệu Trị (1807‑1847) of the Vietnamese Nguyễn dynasty, who reigned 1841‑1847. Compare a larger vase of identical design dating to the period of Minh Mạng (1820‑1840), attributed to the Imperial Workshop of Huê, sold at Lynda Trouvé, Paris, 2 April 2019, Live Auction: INDOCHINE - 2e partie - L’Art en Indochine et au Vietnam (1800‑1960), lot 262 (sold for EUR 42,000).

Upsala Auktions Kammare, 10-13 June 2025.