A pair of dragon and phoenix cloisonné vases , Qing dynasty with Qianlong four character mark.
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Of rectangular shape, square section with four sides and canted corners, supported on a high flared foot, and surmounted by a waisted neck of the same section, brilliantly decorated in bright cloisonné enamels on a turquoise-ground, the four sides alternating design with phoenix birds and five clawed dragon in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' amid swirling multi-coloured clouds and above foaming waves crashing against rockwork. The corners decorated with stylised lotus blooms, archaistic scrollwork and bats, the foot with archaistic scrolls enclosing lotus blooms, and the neck decorated similarly with archaistic scrolls and bats. Height 40 cm.
Wear to gilding. One with small dent to shoulder.
Exhibitions
Compare a similar vase sold at Sothebys, Hong Kong, October 9th 2007. Lot no 1324. This single one was decorated only with dragons.
Literature
These vases is likely to be inspired by a Ming cloisonné enamel vase of the same square form but decorated with the phoenix design, from the Qing Court collection and now in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Enamel ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 14.
More information
Vessels decorated with dragon and phoenix were considered most auspicious and the two represent good fortune and blessing for the emperor and empress. The clouds surrounding the motif also symbolize the granting of all wishes.