A YELLOW-GROUND FAMILLE ROSE MOON FLASK, QING DYNASTY (1644–1911)

拍品描述

A YELLOW-GROUND FAMILLE ROSE MOON FLASK, QING DYNASTY (1644–1911) Of flattened circular ‘moon’ form, this finely enamelled flask rises from a gently splayed oval foot to a short cylindrical neck, flanked by a pair of moulded and gilt animal-mask handles suspending stylised ring loops. The form, inspired by archaic metal prototypes and Central Asian pilgrim flasks, was revived and refined during the Qing dynasty, when it became a favoured shape for richly enamelled wares. The body is set against a vibrant yellow ground densely decorated with scrolling lotus and foliate arabesques in famille rose enamels, the raised ornament heightened with gilding. Within shaped reserves to each principal face are delicately painted scenes of birds amidst flowering branches and bamboo, rendered in soft pinks, greens and blues. The birds—perched and in flight among peonies and blossoming shrubs—evoke themes of prosperity, harmony and the beauty of the natural world, motifs particularly cherished in Qing decorative arts. The neck is similarly ornamented with enamelled panels enclosing further avian and floral subjects, framed by the same rich yellow ground of scrolling foliage. The foot is encircled by a turquoise-ground band embellished with floral scrollwork, providing a vivid chromatic counterpoint to the dominant yellow. The interior of the neck is glazed in a pale celadon tone, while the base is left with a recessed glazed panel within the unglazed biscuit footrim. Famille rose enamelling, perfected during the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns, is distinguished by its opaque white enamel mixed with colloidal gold, allowing for subtle shading and a painterly effect. The luminous palette and intricate ornamentation seen here reflect the technical sophistication and decorative exuberance characteristic of Qing imperial and export wares alike. Height: 31 cm

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