Lot 092 A RARE PAIR OF YELLOW-GROUND PAINTED ENAMEL ON GLASS ‘BICI’ VASES 20TH CENTURY, QIANLONG MARK

Description

A RARE PAIR OF YELLOW-GROUND PAINTED ENAMEL ON GLASS ‘BICI’ VASES
20TH CENTURY, QIANLONG MARK
二十世纪 料胎画珐琅黄地花果纹荸荠瓶一对
《大明乾隆年制》蓝料四字楷书款
MEASUREMENTS
H. 8.3 cm; 8.1 cm
3 ¼ in; 3 ⅛ in
ESTIMATE
USD 2,000 — 3,000
(HKD 15,600 — 23,400)
The pair of vases is exquisitely crafted in the “water chestnut” form (biciping), characterized by a long, slender neck, sloping shoulders, and a distinctive compressed globular body. Each vase is fashioned from milk-white opaque glass (liaotai), providing a smooth and jade-like substrate for the brilliant imperial-yellow enamel ground. The exterior is vibrantly decorated with a lush, “hundred-fruit” style composition, featuring gnarled branches laden with ripe pomegranates and peaches, symbolizing abundance and longevity. Amidst the verdant foliage, various insects and butterflies are meticulously painted. Each base is inscribed with a four-character mark of Qianlong in blue enamel regular script (kaishu).
此对瓶形制规整，呈经典荸荠瓶样式：长颈、溜肩、扁圆腹、卧足。胎骨为乳白色料胎（玻璃胎），质地温润。瓶身通体以明艳的帝王黄珐琅料为地，色泽尊贵夺目。腹部通体绘“繁花硕果”图，枝头挂满成熟的石榴与寿桃，寓意“多子多福”与“长寿安康”。其间穿插点缀蝴蝶、昆虫及青草，笔触细腻，生机盎然。整器构图繁密而不乱，各色珐琅交相辉映。底足中心书**“乾隆年制”**蓝料四字楷书款，款识规整有度。
Biciping (water chestnut vase) is one of the most iconic silhouettes of the Qing dynasty. This pair of vases pays direct homage to the opulent “Imperial Yellow” wares of the Qianlong reign. The “Pomegranate and Peach” motif is a classic auspicious rebus representing the “Three Abundances” (multiplicity of sons, years, and blessings). The addition of butterflies (hudie) further symbolizes “doubled blessings.” The technical challenge of applying multi-colored enamels onto a yellow glass ground reflects a high point of 20th-century technical revival.
荸荠瓶是清代极具代表性的瓶式，本品展现了二十世纪工匠对乾隆盛世审美的致敬。料胎画珐琅烧制难度极高。此对瓶选用的“帝王黄”地色，衬托出粉彩与珐琅彩的娇艳。“石榴”与“桃纹”结合，构成“多子多寿”的吉祥寓意，而翩翩起舞的蝴蝶则寓意“福迭”。这对器物成对保存，反映了二十世纪精细工艺对清代宫廷艺术的成功诠释。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Both glass vases are in overall excellent condition. The imperial-yellow ground and polychrome enamels remain exceptionally vibrant. No visible chips, cracks, or restorations to the glass bodies. Minor shelf wear to the bases consistent with age.
• 状况： 成对品相极佳。黄地及各色珐琅发色极其鲜艳，与胎体结合紧密。料胎质地坚实，无任何崩口、裂纹或修复迹象。底足可见时代特征之自然轻微磨损，保存状况极其完好。