Rare paire de vases en porcelaine de Chine de la Famille Rose, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795), à monture de bronze doré d'époque Louis XVI

de forme balustre, la panse ornée de grandes fleurs de pivoines et d’objets précieux sur les côtés, le col cylindrique d’objets de lettrés et grenades symbolisant la fertilité, sur fond noir surdécoré en Europe au XVIIIe siècle

 

G. et R. Wannenes, Les Bronzes ornementaux et les objets montés de Louis XIV à Napoléon III, Milan, 2004, p. 346

Illustration is quite accurate. Very attractive object in fairly good condition. The porcelain : as mentioned in the catalogue, the porcelain was probably Famille rose, of white ground and redecorated in France in the 2nd half of the 18th cent. when mounted with gilt bronzes. This blackground colour is really unusual and give to the pair a deep interest. One vase (the right one on page 168) has a hair crack on the body + trace of old restoration + a small chip (actually visible on the centre of the red flower- just beside the right handle) which could be easily restored. The mounts : extremely fine proportions, design, chasing and gilding. With expected traces of wear, dust and oxidation. Unusual object, very attractive. To be recommended.
"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."

Le catalogue de la vente rédigé par Gersaint à l’occasion de la succession de Monsieur Angran, vicomte de Fonspertuis, nous renseigne sur les différentes variétés et couleurs de porcelaine de Chine au XVIIIe siècle (voir notice du lot 43) et précise que « J’en ay vû même de noire, mais elle est fort rare ici [en France en 1747] ; elle ne pourrait que plaire par sa rareté, cette couleur la rendant trop triste ». Comme cela s’est parfois pratiqué en Hollande et en France au XVIIIe siècle, il est probable que la porcelaine Famille rose constituant cette paire de vases a été sur-décorée et le fond noir appliqué à cette occasion avant de recevoir une garniture en bronze doré.