A gilt-bronze mounted flambé-glazed vase (Fanghu) and washer, the Chinese porcelain Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 18th century, the mounts late 19th century
Lot Closed
June 9, 02:37 PM GMT
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
the gilt-bronze lid cast with a twig finial, the vase of bulbous form with two square handles mounted with foliage branches, centred by a bearded mask, the lingzhi washer resting on a foliage, c-scrolls and rock-work base
28cm. high, 20.5cm wide;
11in., 8 ⅛ in.
Property from a Swiss Private Collection;
Sotheby's, London, European Taste: Property from three Distinguished Collections, 25 October 2016, lot 74.
This Chinese flambé vase and washer, remarkable for their iridescent and highly attractive glaze, would have been regarded in Paris in the 19th century as objects of such refinement that they merited embellishment with finely chased gilt-bronze mounts. The rocaille mounts applied to the bases of both vessels, together with the grotesque mask affixed to the body of the vase, collectively evoke the form of a fountain. These additions enhance the sculptural quality of the pieces while drawing attention to the depth and vibrancy of their glaze. Such transformations were a particular speciality of Parisian marchand‑merciers, who supplied luxury objects to the most fashionable circles in Paris and beyond, to the wider European elites.
Interestingly, this glaze is also called Transmutation glaze, or yao bian, which required a challenging and sophisticated technique of firing multiple glazes involving colloidal copper, iron, or other metallic materials which would break up the surface, revealing a colour layering. Inspired by the splashed Jun wares of the Jin (265-420) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, the flambé glaze was a result of demands for vibrant and new colours from the Imperial household in Beijing.
In this present lot, a "fanghu" vase and a "lingzhi" washer were glazed in this manner. The fanghu vase is a traditional Chinese square or rectangular form, characterised by a pear‑shaped, tapering body and a distinct foot. Originating as a ritual wine vessel in antiquity, it later became a prestigious decorative form. The accompanying lingzhi washer, or brush washer, is a classic Chinese scholar’s object, most commonly associated with the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Designed for washing calligraphy brushes, such washers are frequently modelled in the form of the lingzhi fungus—also known as the “magic fungus”—a powerful symbol of longevity and immortality.