Pair of Chinese vases. Qing Dynasty, late 19th-early 20th century.

Pair of Chinese vases. Qing Dynasty, late 19th century-early 20th century.
Enameled porcelain "œuf-de-pigeon".
Features seals on the reverse and numerations on the underside.
Apocryphal Qianlong seals.
Measurements: 30 x 19 x 18 cm.

Pair of imperial vases made of porcelain covered with an 'ouf-de-pigeon' glaze (French denomination that alludes to the delicate mottled blue tonality, similar to the eggshell of a pigeon). They present a delicate balance between volume and verticality, enhanced by an exuberant decoration: the surface is ornamented with finely molded relief motifs enhanced with gilding, which stand out against the mottled blue background, generating a subtle play of chromatic and textural hallmarks.

The belly of each piece exhibits a central medallion, inside which is represented the vigorous image of two dragons facing each other, the imperial symbol par excellence in Chinese iconography. These mythological creatures, represented in a dynamic attitude, evoke vital energy (Qi) and celestial sovereignty, attributes that traditionally linked the dragon with the figure of the emperor. The handles, also decorated with meticulously modeled dragon heads, each hold a movable ring, an archaically inspired ornamental feature reminiscent of the bronze ritual vessels (hu or fanghu) of the Zhou period, masterfully reissued in Qing porcelain as a symbol of continuity and reverence for tradition.