A Rare 17th century Pagoda

Formed of twelve hexagonal tiers and a detachable roof, supported on a sturdy hexagonal stand which is decorated with yellow glazed doors with figures above each door and fantastic heads attached at each point of the hexagon base, the tiers, graduated in size are all covered in green enamel and detailed in mustard yellow. The walls of each tier has decoration of figures on the walls and is further decorated on the rims of each tier. Period: 17th century. Height: 96 cm.

Pagodas were very much part of the Chinese landscape and were appreciated. The large models of pagodas were greatly prized by European nobility. See Ayers, Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, volume 11, page 444, for a discussion on Pagodas. The British Prince of Wales (later King George IV, 1820‑1830) purchased pagodas in 1804 and 1817 for his extravagant and exotic Royal Pavilion at Brighton. These remained in the Royal Collection, and in 1847 were transferred from Brighton to Buckingham Palace, where they were recorded in 1855, another similar pagoda was purchased in about 1815 by John, 6th Duke of Bedford for display in one of the ‘Chinese’ rooms in Woburn Abbey.

Condition: For condition report, please contact the department here.

Provenance: Axel Lagrelius (1863-1944), thence by descent.