A pair of gilt-bronze-mounted Chinese famille rose porcelain vases, the porcelain Qing dynasty, Quianlong (1736-1765) the mounts Louis XVI, late 18th century

each of baluster form decorated with peonies and writing and reading implements on a black ground, the collar with piastres and the handles cast with berried laurel on a fluted truncated column and square base with concave corners; the black ground overdecorated in 18th century Europe

Purchased by the present owner Sotheby's, Paris, les Dillée, Une dynastie d'experts et de collectionneurs, 18th and 19th March 2015, lot 109.

In overall good conserved condition. Colour of gilding less greenish more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. The porcelain: as stated in the catalogue, the porcelain was probably Famille Rose, of white ground and redecorated in France in the 2nd half of the 18th century when mounted with gilt-bronzes. One vase (the one in the foreground) has a hairline crack on the body and trace of an old restoration and a small chip (actually visible on the centre of the red flower- just beside the right handle) which could be easily restored. One of the handles has a miniscule section which is bent slightly forwards where the handle meets the body but this can easily be rectified. The other vase (the one in the background) has some very minor dents and chips underneath one of the handles and a hairline crack visible on the inside of the body. On the other vase there is an area of whitish in colour where the black ground has not taken. The mounts have nice chasing and gilding, with expected traces of wear, dust and oxidation. Both handles on both vases are are loose with a cluster of surface scratching under where each handle rests on the porcelain surface but can easily be secured.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
G and R Wannenes, Ornamenting Bronzes and mounted objects from Louis XIV to Napoleon III, Milan, 2004, p. 346.

The sale catalogue written by Gersaint for the succession of Monsieur Angran, Viscount Fonspertius, describes the varieties and colours of 18th century Chinese porcelain and adds,`I even saw black ones, but it is very rare here (in France in 1747); it could only be enjoyed for its rarity, this colour is too sad'. As was often the case in 18th century Holland and France, it is conceivable that the famille rose porcelain on this pair of vases has been overdecorated and the black background applied before they were mounted.