A RARE LIME-GREEN ENAMELLED 'DOUBLE-HAPPINESS' VASE
19th century The vase decorated around the exterior with lime-green enamel with dense lotus scrolls and four large lotus blooms beneath four double-happiness characters (shuangxi), all between pendant ruyi-heads at the shoulder and lappets above the foot rim with iron-red key-fret border, the neck with further lotus scrolls, flanked by a pair of iron-red and gilt handles, the flaring mouth rim gilt, the interior glazed turquoise, the base with effaced mark. 31.5cm (12 1/2in) high.
十九世紀 白地綠彩纏枝蓮囍字紋雙耳瓶
The present lot is rare, distinguished by the prominent 'Double Happiness' character (xi 囍), which strongly suggests that it was intended as a wedding gift. In traditional Chinese culture, the Double Happiness symbol is deeply associated with matrimonial blessings, symbolising joy, prosperity, and a harmonious union between husband and wife. Objects bearing this character were often commissioned or presented as auspicious gifts to newlyweds, signifying wishes for a fruitful marriage, abundant happiness, and enduring love.
See a related vase with green enamel decoration of formalised floral pattern, but without handles and 'double happiness' character, Daoguang iron-red seal mark and of the period, illustrated in Imperial Porcelain of Late Qing, Hong Kong, 1983, p.64, no.38. See also a related turquoise-glazed and white slip decorated vase with handles, Jiaqing, illustrated in From the Dragon's Treasure: Chinese Porcelain from the 19th and 20th centuries in the Weishaupt Collection, London, 1987, p.29.
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