Chinese Export Porcelain Octagonal Vases
Decorative Accessory / Mantle Garniture · Qing Dynasty Style (late 19th to early 20th century) · Identify as Jingdezhen kilns, likely produced for the export market.
Type
Decorative Accessory / Mantle Garniture
Style Period
Qing Dynasty Style (late 19th to early 20th century)
Material
Porcelain (fine white clay kaolin), overglaze enamels, and gilt pigments.
Age Estimate
Late 19th Century (Guangxu period) to Mid-20th Century Republic period.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 14-18 inches; typical for mantle garniture pieces.
Origin
China, likely Jiangxi province (Jingdezhen).
Designer/Maker
Identify as Jingdezhen kilns, likely produced for the export market.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,500 for the pair (Auction Value), depending on maker's marks and absence of repairs.
Description
A pair of striking octagonal porcelain vases featuring a rare reticulated lattice body. The vibrant iron-red ground is embellished with gold chasing, framing delicate hand-painted cartouches of courtly figures and floral motifs. The flared necks and bases provide a balanced, architectural silhouette.
Key Features
Octagonal form, reticulated (pierced) lattice panels, famille rose enamel cartouches, and iron-red gilt ground.
Color & Finish
Iron-red (rouge de fer) ground with gilt scrolling, featuring polychrome cartouches in pink, green, yellow, and blue (famille rose palette).
Construction Method
Hand-thrown or mold-cast porcelain sections joined before firing; features intricate reticulated (openwork) lattice walls.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Lattice work is hand-pierced (linglong or "devil's work" technique), requiring high precision to avoid collapse during firing.
Wood Grain & Species
Not applicable; ceramic material.
Surface Treatment
Glazed and double-fired; first for the body and white glaze, second for the overglaze enamels and gilding.
Upholstery Details
None; solid ceramic construction.
Hardware & Fittings
None visible; occasionally these pieces are mounted on wooden stands (daiza) not present here.
Origin & Provenance
China, likely Jiangxi province (Jingdezhen).
Condition Notes
Very Good; no visible chips or cracks to the delicate lattice, though minor gilt loss is common for pieces of this age.
Interesting Facts
Reticulated porcelain was often called 'linglong' (exquisite/transparent) and was considered a feat of technical mastery due to the high failure rate in the kiln.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing tradition of Chinese export porcelain designed to appeal to Western tastes for 'Chinoiserie' in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Satsuma ware (Japanese), which uses a creamier crackle glaze, or Canton porcelain, which typically features blue and white palettes.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, dry brush to remove dust from lattice holes; avoid harsh chemicals which can strip the overglaze gilding.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,500 for the pair (Auction Value), depending on maker's marks and absence of repairs.
Sustainability Notes
Extremely high; antique ceramics are inherently sustainable as they are long-lasting objects that do not off-gas and retain value over centuries.