Vase; China, Guangxu Period, 1875-1908.

Vase; China, Guangxu Period, 1875-1908
Gilded and enameled bronze.
It shows loss of gilding and enamel.
It has marks on the base.
Measurements: 14 x 10,5 x 10,5 cm.
This vase has a flat circular foot, flattened ovoid belly, wide neck and wide mouth. It is characterized by its profuse ornamentation known as Taoti decoration. Taotie is an ancient Chinese mythological creature that used to appear on bronze and other artifacts during the first millennium BC. Taotie is one of the "four evil creatures of the world". In classical Chinese texts such as the "Classic of Mountains and Seas," the demon appears alongside Hundun, Qiongqi and Taowu. Opposing them are the Four Sacred Creatures, the Blue Dragon, the Vermilion Bird, the White Tiger and the Black Tortoise.
The ornamentation is arranged on a blue tonality. Borders run around the neck and mouth of the vase. This decoration has been made in cloisonné enamels, a technique that consists in depositing the vitreous paste of the enamel in compartments formed by metal sheets that, in relief, compose the silhouette of the design.