Description:
One of pair of Chinese export porcelain urns with a raised cover with an acorn knop and two pistol handles, decorated with elements of the 'Rose Medallion' pattern in orange-red, pink, green, yellow, black, sepia, and gilding. According to Howard and Ayers, this shape has a remarkedly long history, having been traced back to designs by Stefano della Bella (1610-1664) when he was working for Ferdinand II de Medici (1610–1670), Grand Duke of Tuscany (1621–1670). These designs were first published in England by Israel Sylvester (1621-1691); the prints in the third edition published by the London print dealer and map seller Robert Sayer (1725-1794) were faithfully reproduced by Wedgwood. It was from a Wedgwood model that the Chinese produced their earlier version about 1790. The pistol handles, moulded reliefwork and marbled base are common to all the Chinese version, which were produced for every country then engaged in trade with China. The subject of the oval medallion varied from one order to another." Carl Crossman in his article, "The Rose Medallion and Mandarin patterns in China Trade porcelain" in "Antiques" notes: "The shape was often used, especially for the American market, after 1785 and until about 1815." The center front, oval medallion on this example has a landscape scene in sepia with a large building, river, bridge, man in a sail boat, and a running fox in the foreground. The reserve is surrounded by a raised, molded gilt frame that is decorated with a band of flowers and fruit - a ripe pear. The acorn finial on the cover and handles are gilded; the square base is painted to simulate marble. Formerly L78.39/.40.
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