Famille Rose Rouleau Vase with Ancient Censers

During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of opaque overglaze enamels that favored roses and pinks, famille rose porcelain ware was crafted with the same technical virtuosity as imperial porcelain but designed for Western tastes.

Dated to China's Republic Period (1912-1949), this porcelain vase beautifully showcases the intricate decoration characteristic of famille rose ware on an elegant silhouette known as a rouleau vase, also known as bangchuiping (棒槌瓶), or 'grain mallet vase.' The sides are painted with two ancient bronze censers, one bearing plum blossoms, symbols of winter, and one bearing peonies, symbols of spring. The shoulder, base and lip are bordered with geometric patterns and two imitation drop handles adorn the shoulders. Likely commissioned as an auspicious wedding gift, the surrounding white fields are brushed with characters bearing blessings of great luck and good fortune.