Pair of vases; China, 19th century.
Porcelain. Pink family.
Marks on the base.
Provenance: private collection conceived from the 1970s between London and Madrid.
Measurements: 28,5 x 12 cm (diameter).
Pair of porcelain vases that have the same design in structure and ornamentation. Cylindrical in shape, the decoration is arranged over the entire surface, delimiting the lower area and the lip, which have a border-like design. This is an ornate and highly ornamental style, usually decorated with figurative scenes, and mainly characterised by the use of a broader palette than that of the normal Rose Family, dominated by light and bright shades, mainly pinks and greens. Thanks to the discovery of the white glaze, Chinese potters broadened the palette, achieving new tonal ranges that allowed them to conform more closely to European tastes. Moreover, as can be seen here, these pieces are often enriched with gilt details, very much in keeping with Western tastes. Within the Canton Rose Family there are three styles: rose medallion, nonya or straits and the Mandarin style. These pieces were made in Jingdezhen, the most important centre of pottery and porcelain production in China, from where they were brought undecorated to Canton, an important port where they were decorated with enamels and sold to foreign customers.