A CLOISONNÉ CONG-FORM INCENSE TOOL VASE, CHINA, 18TH CENTURY
The copper alloy body well modeled, of rectangular form, finely decorated in bright enamels to each side with a central stylized blossom surrounded by foliage and archaistic scroll, with similarly decorated neck and foot, all framed by gilt rims and edges.


Provenance
: From a private estate in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Condition
: Very good condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities, minor rubbing to gilt, small nicks.

Weight: 252.1 g
Dimensions: Height 11.9 cm


This vase takes its inspiration
from a unique type of archaic ritual object made during China's Neolithic Period. Known as a cong, these items featured minimalist square bodies enclosing a central cylinder. While not fully understood, congs fascinated Qing Dynasty collectors of antiquity and were often repurposed as vases with the addition of copper liners. The distinctive cong shape was also replicated in other materials like porcelain and enameled bronze for such uses.


Enameled bronze, commonly known as Chinese 'cloisonne,'
is an ancient art form that involves the decoration of metal objects, usually copper or bronze, with vibrant enamels. The process begins by shaping the metal base and attaching thin metal wires to create compartments. These compartments are then filled with colored enamel paste. The decorated object undergoes multiple firings in a kiln to fuse the enamel to the metal body, resulting in a deep, rich built-up color. The technique results in visually striking and elaborate pieces, and was highly favored by the imperial court, nobility, and collectors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties


Expert’s note:
The present vase would have likely been part of a set of ancillary vessels complementing a central censer. Censers in cloisonné were produced in many styles throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, however cong-form incense tool vases in cloisonné are considerably rarer.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams London, 9 November 2015, lot 94
Estimate: GBP 3,000 or approx.
EUR 5,000
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small cloisonné enamel square vase, cong, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, and motif. Note the related size (10.7 cm).


Auction result comparison:

Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 24 March 2023, lot 1234
Price: USD 4,410 or approx.
EUR 4,000
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small cloisonné enamel rectangular vase, Qianlong period
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, decoration, and motif. Note the related size (11.1 cm).




十八世紀掐絲琺瑯琮形瓶


琮形瓶，高圈足，松石綠色地，纏枝蓮紋；頸部和足部飾如意紋與花卉紋，四邊鎏金。


來源：
美國德克薩斯達拉斯私人舊藏。

品相：
狀況非常好，有輕微磨損，鎏金有輕微摩擦，有小刻痕。

重量：252.1 克
尺寸：高 11.9 厘米


拍賣結果比較：

形制：非常相近
拍賣：倫敦邦翰斯，2015年11月9日，lot 94
估價：GBP 3,000（相當於今日
EUR 5,000
）
描述：十八世紀銅胎掐絲琺瑯琮
專家評論：比較非常相近的外形、裝飾和主題。請注意相近的尺寸(10.7厘米)。


拍賣結果比較：

形制：非常相近
拍賣：紐約佳士得，2023年3月24日， lot 1234
價格：USD 4,410（相當於今日
EUR 4,000
）
描述：清乾隆掐絲琺瑯蓮紋小方瓶
專家評論：比較非常相近的外形、裝飾和主題。請注意相近 尺寸(11.1厘米)。