FINE PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN COVERED URNS
First Quarter of the 19th Century
Probably made for the European market. Traditional form with gilt pistol grip handles and an earth-tone marbleized square foot. Orange and gilt decoration, mostly of insects and fruit, against an unusual pale peach ground, interrupted by rectangular and oval Famille Rose reserves depicting interior figural scenes. Gilt molded nailhead border at rim and gilt molded husk swags on body.
Heights 16.5".

Provenance:
Paul Gaudet, Nahant, Massachusetts, March 13, 1988.
The Estate of Dr. William E. Strole, Jr. of Boston.

Reference:
A similar pair of peach glaze urns but in a different design variant is illustrated in Treasures of State: Fine and Decorative Arts in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the U.S. Department of State by Clement Conger (New York: 1991), p. 296.

Another pair in the peach palette and with pistol grip handles is in the Boscobel House and Gardens and is illustrated in Federal Furniture and Decorative Arts at Boscobel by Berry B. Tracy (New York: 1981), p. 50.

Notes:
The original inspiration for this design dates to the Italian Renaissance and the designs of Florentine etcher Stefano della Bella (1610-1640) for Ferdinand de Medici, which used similar square marbleized plinths, foliate swags and pistol grip handles on classical urns.

Similar English versions, like those produced by Staffordshire manufacturers Wedgwood & Bentley, Neal & Company and H. Palmer, were the most likely source of inspiration for Chinese potters.

The use of peach-colored glaze is unusual in Chinese Export porcelain. It began to emerge during the Federal Period (1780-1830) as lighter color palettes became popular in home decor and fashion -- a shift seen in paint colors, home textiles and clothing.

Heavy.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.