Small ewer "Monk's cap" or "Duomuhu"; China, Canton, Qing dynasty, 18th century.

Small ewer "Monk's cap" or "Duomuhu"; China, Canton, Qing dynasty, 18th century.
Gilded and enameled bronze.
It presents loss of enamel in the upper third.
Measurements: 12,5 x 5 x 5 cm.
This elegant and slender vessel, of harmonious proportions, has been made using the cloisonné technique on a gilded bronze base. The cloisonné decoration presents a sky blue background on which designs in shades of deep blue, vermilion, green, pink and yellow stand out. These motifs include archaic symbols dating back to the Warring States period in ancient China.
The body of the ewer is adorned with horizontal bands of gilded bronze, on which are delicately engraved floral motifs. Its shape is inspired by the distinctive cap worn by Tibetan monks, which is why it is known as a monk's cap ewer (Duomuhu).
The piece features a crenellated top rim; a domed shaped lid with a finial that fits snugly at the top; a short "S" shaped spout; and a long golden chain emerging from two masks of mythical creatures, also golden, located on the sides of the ewer. The considerable length of the chain is explained by its use in monasteries and aristocratic residences in Tibet for serving large quantities of tea. When not in use, these vessels were hung on the wall by their chains.