SOFT PASTE PORCELAIN MALLET VASE, TONGPING
China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Resting a short annular heel, tubular body, rounded shoulder, straight collar, square lip. It is decorated on its outside with a relief decoration showing a peach tree with branches loaded with nine heavy fruits. Between them, a pair of butterflies flap. The background is enamelled yellow. The decoration is enamelled brown, green and aubergine. Below is carved the apocryphal sigillar mark of the Emperor Kangxi.
H :25 cm - D: 9,5 cm
Note: A vase rich in iconography. Thus, the number nine embodies perfection, often traditionally associated with the imperial label. The peaches symbolize longevity and marriage. Butterflies, finally, embody longevity as much as in pairs, they symbolize the happy and lasting union.

A KANGXI-MARKED SANCAI-ENAMELLED YELLOW GROUND 'NINE PEACHES' SOFT-PASTE SCROLL VASE, TONGPING
China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century