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An ovoid-shaped Chinese Ming period porcelain jar painted in rich blue around the sides with two five-clawed dragons among clouds and with rocks and waves below. Round the shoulder a stylised shou (long life character) seems to grow out of the lotus scrol
East Meets West

Extraordinary Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Royal Collection

JINGDEZHEN [JIANGXI PROVINCE, CHINA]

Cistern with gilt bronze mounts

mid-18th century, mount: 1775-99

RCIN 64062

The idea of adding metal mounts to Chinese porcelain may have been influenced by the existence of richly mounted pieces made from other precious materials, such as rock crystal and amber. George IV (1762–1830) was an enthusiastic collector of mounted Asian porcelain and often had gilt-bronze mounts added to wares if they did not have them already. The metal fixtures harmonised Eastern goods with the gilded interiors of nineteenth-century royal residences and in many cases transformed their function – adapting them into ewers, pot pourri jars or candelabra.

This magnificent Chinese vase was purchased for George, Prince of Wales's private residence, Carlton House, which he lavishly decorated in the Chinese and Japanese style. The mounts were probably added by Pierre-Philippe Thomire, who was the leading Parisian caster and gilder of the early nineteenth century. He was frequently employed by Napoleon and supplied high-quality mounts to leading Parisian furniture-makers as well as to the renowned Sèvres porcelain factory.


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