Lot 094 A MAGNIFICENT CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘MILLEFLEURS’ VASE LATE QING DYNASTY – REPUBLIC PERIOD, 20TH CENTURY

Description

A MAGNIFICENT CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘MILLEFLEURS’ VASE
LATE QING DYNASTY – REPUBLIC PERIOD, 20TH CENTURY
清末至民国 掐丝珐琅百花不露地大瓶
MEASUREMENTS
H. 30.5 cm, 12 in.
ESTIMATE
CAD 1,500 — 2,500
DESCRIPTION
The vase is of a stately baluster form, featuring a tall, slightly flared neck, a swelling shoulder, and a tapering body supported by a short, spread foot. It is meticulously crafted using the cloisonné technique on a metal body, with the entire surface decorated in the vibrant “millefleurs” (thousand flowers) or wanhuaji pattern. The design features a dense, seamless profusion of various blossoms—including peonies, chrysanthemums, lilies, and morning glories—arranged so closely that the background is entirely concealed. The intricate brass wires (cloisons) define each petal and leaf with remarkable precision, while the enamels exhibit a rich and varied palette of rose pink, cobalt blue, forest green, and mustard yellow. The neck and foot are further accented by a delicate white-ground fish-scale pattern, providing a sophisticated visual frame to the dense floral composition.
此瓶形制宏大，呈撇口、长颈、丰肩、敛腹，下承圈足，端庄大方。通体采用掐丝珐琅工艺，以“百花不露地”纹样装饰。瓶身遍布各式繁花，如牡丹、菊花、百合、牵牛花等，花团锦簇，密不透风，寓意“百花呈瑞”。掐丝线条流畅规整，珐琅釉料发色绚丽且层次分明，粉色、宝蓝、翠绿与鹅黄交织。颈部及近底部辅以白地鱼鳞纹边饰，与瓶身繁复的花卉图案形成对比，构思巧妙，工艺繁缛。
COMMENTARY
This vase is a superb example of the “millefleurs” aesthetic, a design concept that reached its zenith in the Qing Dynasty and remained highly popular through the Republic period. The “thousand flowers” motif represents a garden in perpetual spring, symbolizing enduring prosperity and vitality. Executed in cloisonné enamel, this labor-intensive pattern required extraordinary skill to ensure that the dozens of different floral forms remained distinct and balanced. While most millefleurs designs were executed in famille-rose porcelain, this enamel version highlights the technical prowess of 20th-century metalwork workshops. The inclusion of the fish-scale border suggests a refinement often seen in export-quality wares intended for high-end international markets, blending traditional Chinese symbolism with the decorative exuberance favored by global collectors.
此瓶所绘“百花不露地”纹饰，又称“万花锦”，是清代以来极受推崇的经典装饰题材，寓意“万花献瑞，盛世繁荣”。以此类图案施于掐丝珐琅器之上，对工匠的技艺要求极高，需在方寸之间精准构图并填施多种色釉，方能达到百花争艳而不乱的艺术效果。此件作品釉质细腻，掐丝工艺纯熟，反映了二十世纪初期珐琅器制作的高超水平。其洁白的鱼鳞纹边饰不仅增添了清新之感，更显此类器物作为高级陈设品的工艺价值，是研究晚清至民国时期工艺美术演变的重要实物。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: The vase is in good overall condition. The enamel colors remain remarkably vivid and bright. The brass wires are well-preserved with a warm, aged patina.
• Some expected minor pitting and surface oxidation to the metal wires and exposed rims, consistent with age.
• The wooden stand exhibits minor surface scratches and general wear but remains structurally sound. No significant losses or repairs to the enamel were detected.
• 状况： 此瓶整体品相良好。珐琅釉面色彩依然鲜艳夺目。掐丝线条保存完好，金属部分呈现自然包浆。
• 见时代特征之轻微釉面砂眼及金属丝局部氧化，口沿处见轻微磨损。
• 木座表面见细微划痕及使用痕迹，结构稳固。经检测，珐琅部分无明显崩裂或修复迹象。