CHINESE ORMOLU-MOUNTED FLAMBÉ-GLAZED ARROW 'HU' VASE, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

拍品描述

CHINESE ORMOLU-MOUNTED FLAMBÉ-GLAZED ARROW 'HU' VASE, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911) The vase is of archaistic hu form, with a full rounded body rising to a narrowed waist and tall cylindrical neck, flanked by rectangular tubular handles in the manner of an arrow vase. Its surface is covered in a rich flambé glaze, the deep crushed raspberry-red tones mottled and streaked with pale cream and lavender passages, creating the variegated, kiln-transmuted effect prized in Qing monochrome ceramics. The body is set within elaborate gilt-bronze mounts, comprising a pierced and scrolling foliate rim above and an ornamental footed support below. The ormolu mounts frame the ceramic vessel as a decorative object for a European or export-informed interior, their rocaille curves and gilded finish providing a striking contrast to the dense, glossy glaze of the porcelain body. The arrow-form handles refer to the ancient game of touhu, in which arrows were thrown into narrow-necked vessels, and the shape was revived in later Chinese decorative arts as a cultured antiquarian form. In this example, the archaic profile is transformed through the dramatic flambé glaze, whose unpredictable splashes and streaking recall the celebrated Jun-inspired transmutation glazes developed and admired during the Qing dynasty. The later mounting of Chinese porcelain in ormolu reflects a long history of cross-cultural taste, particularly the European appreciation of Chinese ceramics as luxurious works of art. The mounts both protect and elevate the vase, converting it into a highly decorative object while preserving the visual authority of the Chinese ceramic form at its centre. A richly coloured Qing flambé-glazed arrow hu vase, distinguished by its archaistic form, dramatic transmutation glaze and ornate gilt-bronze mounts. Vase 28.5cm With mounts 37cm

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