GILT ON BLACK CLUB VASE
The style of art on this piece is quite unusual. All the houses drawn on the wares are bungalows, with the exception of a few two or three level small attics in the shape of a pagoda. The doors, and the lattice on the railings and fences are unlike those seen in the usual architecture. There is a mix of Japanese and south-eastern Asian cultures. However, the plants, trees, rocks, flowers, butterflies, the human figures and their dresses are typically Chinese. Some Chinese flora and butterflies were drawn with exaggeration, such as the perpetual flowers which appear to be bigger than the people. This not only appeals to the viewers but also excites their curiosity. An old connoisseur was once consulted, and he said that those porcelain wares were made by some porcelain experts who used the drawings brought by the Europeans. The drawings were the works of some European masters painters, and the subjects of the drawings were based on the embellishment found on lacquer-wares, and on the patterns found on the wu-chai and powder-coloured porcelain wares made in the times of King Kangxi, Yongzhen, and Quinlong. Hence, the human figures and the plants are in the styles which prevailed in the times of these three kings, and the doors, the railings and the fences bear the style which prevailed in Japan and south-eastern countries.
In their innocence and happy mood, the children are energetically singing, dancing, jumping around, carrying the flower-lamps, raising the lanterns, imitating the action on horseback with cracking whips, playing with their dogs and pets, or chasing them around. They are attended by some elder girls who are staying close. The scene is full of festive atmosphere.
These pieces look like the usual lacquer wares with gold outlining, because their black background appears to be a thick, smooth layer of lacquer wares. This reflects the exceptional skills of the porcelain expert in making these replicas. These porcelain wares have been the favorites of the foreigners and among the hot export items since the 19th century.
Arttiques ®