Famille Verte Phoenix Tail 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 verte.” Named for a palette of opaque overglaze enamels that favored greens and blues, famille verte porcelain ware was crafted with the same technical virtuosity as imperial porcelain but designed for Western tastes.

Dated to the early 20th century, this porcelain vase is sculpted to a classic phoenix-tail form and beautifully showcases the lavish color and detail of famille rose ware. The body of the vase is painted with two ancient bronze censers, one bearing plum blossoms, symbols of winter, and one bearing peonies, symbols of spring. Two smaller censer motifs decorate the flared neck and geometric patterns encircle the shoulder, base and lip. Likely commissioned as a gift, the surrounding white fields are brushed with poetry and blessings and list the names of four honored persons.