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1 of 253523 objects
Pair of 'dragoon' vases and covers 1675 - 1700
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue | H (overall) 102.0 cm, 104.0 cm, (jar only) 88.5 cm, 90.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 43929
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A pair of tall blue-and-white porcelain 'dragoon' vases. Each of ovoid form, with short neck and everted lip, the low, domed cover having a blue knob. The sides are decorated in four bands, alternately, in reserve on a blue ground and painted on a white ground, with above the foot, lotus flowers in white on blue followed by formalised floral scrolls on white. The main band above depicts flying dragons on a blue ground among flower sprays; the shoulder band, white lotus sprays on blue in trefoil panels set on a ground of formal chrysanthemum scrolls; on the neck, a border of rising lambrequins. The cover repeats the design of the vase. The vases are supported on carved gilt-wood stands of later date.
It is recorded that early in the eighteenth century, the celebrated porcelain collector Augustus II ‘the Strong’ acquired a set of these vases from Frederick William I of Prussia (r.1713–40), Elector of Brandenburg, allegedly in exchange for a troop of dragoons: hence their designation as ‘soldier’ vases, ‘dragon’ vases or ‘dragoon’ vases.
Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume I.Provenance
Acquired by Princess Sophia (1777–1848), fifth daughter of George III.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue
Measurements
H (overall) 102.0 cm, 104.0 cm, (jar only) 88.5 cm, 90.5 cm (whole object)
Other number(s)