Small White Crackle Porcelain Vase, China 18th Century

Small Chinese vase from the 18th century, representative of the artistic peak of the Qing Dynasty.

In white cracked porcelain, it is subtly decorated with a blue enamelled decoration representing lake landscapes.
These designs depict bucolic scenes, with pagodas, boats, trees, birds, bridges, thus capturing the essence of serenity and harmony; an aesthetic rooted in the contemplation of nature and Taoist philosophy, often depicted in classical Chinese art.

This small vase is distinguished by its elegance and refinement. The cracking process, visible on the white porcelain surface, underlines the delicacy of the object and the mastery of the technique.
It rests on a symmetrical rocaille base in gilded bronze, with a foliage motif and scrollwork with an openwork medallion on either side. It is topped with a gilded bronze collar decorated with a garland of alternating foliage.
This association of porcelain and bronze responds to the Western taste for luxury and ornamentation mingling with their ideology of the Far East.
The contrast between Chinese finesse and European golden wealth embodies a fascinating association of two artistic traditions.

Indeed, in the 18th century, Europe had an attraction for the Asian world. Particularly through the East India Companies, Chinese porcelain was a product highly coveted by the European aristocracy, whose practical mastery and aesthetics of white/blue matched perfectly with the European taste for exoticism and delicacy.

The porcelains were made in the Far East for export to Europe and were then combined with gilded bronze frames once they arrived. Thus this small vase is a witness to the artistic and commercial exchange of the time; a cross influence between two worlds.
These precious objects were not only symbols of prestige in royal courts and aristocratic homes, but also sources of inspiration for European artists and artisans. Fascinated by this mastery, they tried to unravel its secrets, thus giving birth to local factories like that of Meissen or that of Sèvres.

This small vase is therefore a piece of art of artistic and historical value, illustrating both the technical virtuosity and the aesthetic sensitivity of Chinese artisans (the finesse of the porcelain, the delicately enamelled patterns) but also a beautiful testimony to Chinese influence in 18th century European art.


Usage and maintenance restorations

Dimensions : H 19cm x P 10 cm