Pair of large Chinese porcelain fish bowls with giltwood stands

These stunning Chinese porcelain fish bowls are raised on top of French Régence style giltwood stands. Combination pieces such as these were immensely popular in the 19^th century, with European designers embellishing Chinese export wares with designs of their own. This pair is a particularly fine pairing of Eastern and Western styles, with the powder blue ground of the porcelain expertly contrasted by the shining gilt stands.  

The two vases are almost identical in design. Of rotund form, the lipped vases utilise a deep blue ground. The bodies are decorated with painted gilt decorations that include floral and geometric motifs as well as Greek key borders.

On the obverse and reverse are large painted panels, which depict familial scenes: set in a picturesque courtyard, the figures are framed by several birds and plants, all tinged with the pink overglaze of the Famille-rose style.  The panels are set within unusual, spiked cartouches. The sides of the vases are decorated with smaller painted panels of floral compositions, within floral frames. Above each of the side panels is a giltwood ring drop handle, carved to imitate a monkey’s face.

The interiors are also decorated with foliate designs and brightly coloured fish. The interior side of the lip is richly decorated with pink floral designs, that link to the Famille-rose classification.

The vases are raised on elaborate Régence-style stands, carved with the motifs of the early Rococo. Set upon four tightly scrolled feet, the stands are replete with acanthus leaf designs and Rocaille decoration. The shining gold of the giltwood beautifully complements the painted gilt decoration on the bodies of the vases.

This superb pair expertly combines two different global styles, bringing together stunning Chinese porcelain wares and magnificently carved French giltwood.

Bowls: Height 40cm, diameter 60cm
Stands: Height 58cm, width 55cm, depth 55cm