A RARE AND LARGE (53 CM) BRONZE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL 'LOTUS' PHOENIX-TAIL VASE, YENYEN, MING
A RARE AND LARGE (53 CM) BRONZE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL 'LOTUS' PHOENIX-TAIL VASE, YENYEN, MING DYNASTY
China, 16th-17th century. Of baluster form, supported on a bell-shaped foot and rising to high rounded shoulders set with a tall trumpet-shaped neck and broad circular mouth, divided by four archaistic vertical notched flanges. The exterior is deftly decorated in vivid polychrome cloisonné enamels against a turquoise-blue ground, depicting luxuriant blossoming lotus borne on scrolling foliage.
Provenance: From an important European private collection. Sotheby's Paris, 12 June 2025, lot 34 (dated 17th century), offered at a mid-estimate of
EUR 10,000.
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, manufacturing irregularities including pitting, some corrosion and natural patina to the metalwork, especially the flanges, and minor bruising. A large Ming-dynasty cloisonné vase in such well-preserved condition must be considered rare.
Weight: 6.1 kg
Dimensions: 53.4 cm
The characteristic notched flanges of the present lot draw clear inspiration from the well-known ritual bronze wine vessels of the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties. By contrast, the flaring 'yenyen' profile and the lotus scroll decoration rendered in red and yellow enamels against a turquoise ground are closely associated with works of the late Ming and early Qing periods. The combination of these elements results in a highly accomplished synthesis of archaic prototypes and contemporary decorative taste, embodying the revival of antiquity that formed a central aspect during this period.
Literature comparison:
Compare a related cloisonné enamel 'zun' vessel with flanges and interlocking lotus design, dated 17th century, 54.5 cm high, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Enamels, vol. 2: Cloisonné in the Qing Dynasty, 2011, pl. 12.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 24 September 2021, lot 911
Price: USD 47,500 or approx.
EUR 50,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large cloisonné enamel 'phoenix-tail' vase, 17th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, motifs, and size (53 cm).
Buyer's Premium
30%
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
A RARE AND LARGE (53 CM) BRONZE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL 'LOTUS' PHOENIX-TAIL VASE, YENYEN, MING DYNASTY
China, 16th-17th century. Of baluster form, supported on a bell-shaped foot and rising to high rounded shoulders set with a tall trumpet-shaped neck and broad circular mouth, divided by four archaistic vertical notched flanges. The exterior is deftly decorated in vivid polychrome cloisonné enamels against a turquoise-blue ground, depicting luxuriant blossoming lotus borne on scrolling foliage.
Provenance: From an important European private collection. Sotheby's Paris, 12 June 2025, lot 34 (dated 17th century), offered at a mid-estimate of
EUR 10,000.
Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, manufacturing irregularities including pitting, some corrosion and natural patina to the metalwork, especially the flanges, and minor bruising. A large Ming-dynasty cloisonné vase in such well-preserved condition must be considered rare.
Weight: 6.1 kg
Dimensions: 53.4 cm
The characteristic notched flanges of the present lot draw clear inspiration from the well-known ritual bronze wine vessels of the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties. By contrast, the flaring 'yenyen' profile and the lotus scroll decoration rendered in red and yellow enamels against a turquoise ground are closely associated with works of the late Ming and early Qing periods. The combination of these elements results in a highly accomplished synthesis of archaic prototypes and contemporary decorative taste, embodying the revival of antiquity that formed a central aspect during this period.
Literature comparison:
Compare a related cloisonné enamel 'zun' vessel with flanges and interlocking lotus design, dated 17th century, 54.5 cm high, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Enamels, vol. 2: Cloisonné in the Qing Dynasty, 2011, pl. 12.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 24 September 2021, lot 911
Price: USD 47,500 or approx.
EUR 50,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large cloisonné enamel 'phoenix-tail' vase, 17th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, motifs, and size (53 cm).
Buyer's Premium
30%
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
