Porcelain objects decorated with colourful enamels were characteristic export products during the 19th century. The design of this vase, probably used as a pen holder, became particularly popular in London at the end of the century; several objects of various size and function listed in the 1881 catalogue of the store Liberty's bear the same pattern.
Physical description
Porcelain vase of cylindrical shape, painted in overglaze polychrome enamels with a dragon and flowers on a light blue ground, contained within two decorative bands of scrolls on a yellow ground.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
ca. 1880-1890 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Porcelain decorated in overglaze polychrome enamels
Dimensions
Height: 23.5 cm
Descriptive line
Porcelain vase decorated in overglaze polychrome enamels, China, Qing dynasty, ca. 1880-1890
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Clunas, Craig (ed.). Chinese Export Art and Design. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1987, p. 56, figure 37.
Labels and date
Three Vases, for use as pen holders
Porcelain with decoration in enamels
Dragon among flowers
About 1880-1890 [1987]
Materials
Porcelain
Subjects depicted
Flowers; Scrolls; Dragons
Categories
Porcelain; Ceramics; Household objects
Collection
East Asia Collection