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1 of 253523 objects
Vase 1750-80
Porcelain painted in blue glaze overpainted in gilt | 68.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2391
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A Chinese porcelain vase with swelling ovoid body tapering into a broad neck with open mouth, and unglazed recessed base. Painted in gilt round the body are sprays of lotus, camellia, peony and chrysanthemum, with butterflies and lesser sprays, with borders of lappets and pomegranates above and of lotus-petal panels below. Round the shoulder are borders with chrysanthemums in cartouches, in a ground of cash-diaper and lingzhi fungus on a latticed ground. On the neck are a pointed leaf border and one of key-fret with a pendent frieze of jewel chains.
Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume II.Provenance
Presented to Queen Victoria on 5 August 1896 by Li Hongzhang (1823-1901), the Special Chinese Ambassador, on behalf of the Emperor of China's mission. The Special Ambassador travelled to the United Kingdom as part of a diplomatic tour (which also included visits to Germany, Canada and the United States) following the coronation of Nicholas II in Moscow where he led the Chinese delegation. He was one of the first appointments of an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order which had been instituted in April 1896. The Special Chinese Ambassador also presented gifts (see also RCIN 2390) as well as presenting gifts on behalf of the Chinese emperor (see RCINs 58815.1-2 and 35398.a-c).
Recorded in the Inventory of Works of Art at Osborne House (1900), Volume I, p. 359, in the New Wing Corridor at Osborne House as ‘Large blue and gold vase of porcelain flowers, fruit and butterflies in gilt on blue ground. Height 2ft 31/8 inches. Diameter 1ft 41/2 inches. On circular and carved rosewood stand’; sent to Buckingham Palace in April 1903.).
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Porcelain painted in blue glaze overpainted in gilt
Measurements
68.5 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
