CHINE DYNASTIE QING, MARQUE ET ÉPOQUE QIANLONG (1735 - 1796)

Rare pair of yellow monochrome porcelain Gui sacrificial vases, imitating archaic bronzes of the same typology from the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770-256 B.C.), the oblong body, flanked by two handles with dragon heads, and resting on a dome-shaped foot. The whole decorated with archaic geometric motifs in relief, under a beautiful mustard yellow color. The base with a Qianlong mark in six characters in incised zhuanshu. Presented on natural wood carved bases. Dim. 14,6 x 28 x 18,5 cm PROVENANCE French private collection, then by descent. A pair of similar sacrificial vases sold by Bonhams, sale "Fine Chinese Art" November 6, 2014, London New Bond. Street, lot 189. NOTE These Gui sacrificial vases were part of a set consisting of a pair of Dou, Fu and Xing vases. These porcelains were used in the official ceremonies of the first lunar month of the year, during which the emperor made offerings at the Earth Altar. According to E.S.Rawski and J.Rawson in "China: The Three Emperors 1662 - 1795", these sets would have been created after 1748, inspired by models from classical texts, on the order and approval of the emperor Qianlong, who had them illustrated in the Huangchao Liqi Tushi. CONDITION REPORT Vase 1 : Wear and scratches inside, a chip to the rim, traces of wax Vase 2 : Wear and scratches inside, a chip to the rim and a chip to the foot, traces of wax