Large Cantonese Rose Medallion Floor Vase
Decorative art, ceramic vessel • Chinese export porcelain workshop, Canton (Guangzhou)
Style & Movement
Rose Medallion (Famille Rose style), Late Qing Dynasty
Medium & Technique
Hand-painted polychrome enamels and gold gilt on porcelain; Famille Rose technique
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (Late Qing Dynasty, Guangxu Period)
Dimensions & Format
Large floor-standing format, approximately 36 to 48 inches in height (excluding stand), baluster shape with flared rim.
Subject Description
Detailed courtly narrative scenes with figures on a checkered pavilion floor, surrounded by decorative borders of butterflies, flowers, birds, and fruit. Features characteristic gilded chilong (dragons) around the neck and stylized lion-dog handles.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; displays typical age-related wear to the gold gilding and minor surface abrasions.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely produced for the Western export market; typical of pieces acquired by European or American collectors during the late 19th or early 20th century. Currently shown on a carved wooden tripod base.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the peak of the Chinese export porcelain trade, specifically the 'Canton' style which dominated international demand for decorative ceramics in the 1800s. Its scale indicates a high-status decorative object meant for grand interiors.
Notable Features
Prominent molded 'crawling dragons' on the shoulder, vibrant rose-pink palette, and the presence of a decorative textile tassel which is an aftermarket addition.
Condition Issues
Rubbing of gilt on the handles and rim, light crazing potential in the glaze, and minor surface dirt in the recessed areas of the molded elements.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional dusting with a soft brush, avoid harsh chemical cleaners which can strip enamels, and ensure the wooden stand is structurally sound to prevent tipping.