A Large French Ormolu Mounted Japanese Blue & White Porcelain Vase/Lamp

Product Description

An Incredible and Quite Large 19th Century French Ormolu Mounted Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Vase Turned to Lamp, The mounts attributed to E. Lievre. This brilliant blue and white Japanese porcelain vase is a fine example of Japonisme decorative objects of the 19th century. Synthesizing Eastern and Western design motifs, this vase is a testament to cross-cultural artistic pollination. The vase is supported by an ormolu mounted base
which features swirling impressions reminiscent of East Asian depictions of clouds. Similarly, the vase is topped by an ormolu cap with an intricate lace skirt around its perimeter. The gilt color of the top and base are a stark contrast to the rich blue and white porcelain vessel, decorated with bamboo imagery.

Bamboo is often depicted in Orientalist decorative arts as a symbol of strength, resilience, and adaptability. Bending but seldom breaking, the plant has miraculous integrity. Furthermore, the hollow interior of the bamboo plant and straightforward growth pattern remind us of the plant’s simplicity and openness to change. Besides the ormolu top and base, the vase is painted solely by royal blue and white paint. The background is blue while the bamboo and scallop detailing along the neck are white. Blue and white porcelain, kosometsuke, originated from Chinese porcelain production during the Tang dynasty. Japanese decorative production saw a massive appreciation in the market for kosometsuke when European clientele became interested in the simple duo chromatic style. To this day it remains the most iconic color scheme of Orientalist art.
France, Circa: 1890

Height: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)
Diameter: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)