52 - Pair of lidded blue-and-white porcelain vases, China, Kangxi period (1662–1722)

Pair of lidded blue-and-white porcelain vases, China, Kangxi period (1662–1722) Featuring a fluted baluster shape, each vase rests on a small circular foot and has a broadly rounded body that extends into a slightly flared neck. The body is entirely decorated in underglaze blue with blooming flowers and foliage arranged in continuous scrolls, notably featuring large flowers with radiating petals and smaller flowers alternating with lanceolate leaves. The shoulder and the lower section are accented by a frieze of stylized ruyi-head motifs. The domed, fluted lids, which end in a button-shaped handle, are also entirely covered with flowers and foliage in underglaze blue. The bases of both vases are encircled with bronze. Height: 41 cm (51.5 cm with lid) Holes in the bottoms; one lid is missing; the other is missing and has been broken and restored; a chip on the neck of one vase.