Pair of massive patinated bronze Lián flower form vases

Pair of massive patinated bronze Lián flower form vases of exquisite quality raised on original figured marble pedestals
China. Nineteenth Century.
Measurements
Approximately: Height: 58" (147.3 cm); Diameter: 55" (139.7 cm), to be confirmed.
Research:
Of patinated bronze. The undulating rim and body of the vases each formed as lián flower with prominent veins. The lower part headed by a ‘D’ molding – on one with Chinese zodiac symbols in fine relief and on the second with naturalistically cast dragons in the same position. The next tier of the base is of boldly cast repeating stylized lotus motif. The octagonal base with eight recessed cartouches, one centered by qilin, the second vase by Foo dogs. The whole raised on finely figured octagonal marble pedestals. One repair to each vase body.

Provenance:
An Important US Collection

These monumental vases are a product of nineteenth century Chinese bronze work at the highest level of quality and inventive design, each taking the form of a giant lián flower blossom. The lián flower is a Chinese Buddhist symbol of spiritual enlightenment and awakening. The imagery of the bloom opening and thriving above the muddy waters of its root represents rebirth. In mythology it is said to have sprung up at the Buddha’s first seven steps and the flower is featured as the throne or pedestal for divine figures in Buddhist art.

While the veined and undulating petals form the body of each vase, the bases of the two are different. On one example, the circular upper rim of the base is decorated with Xiangyun, a decorative cloud pattern considered one of the most the most auspicious in China. Below this, an octagonal base bears a cartouche to each of its eight faces. The background of each reserve is patterned with the Chinese character Wan, an ancient symbol denoting luck and prosperity in China and other Asian cultures. Within each cartouche, qilin are depicted in high relief. The base of the other vase bears different symbolism. Here the pedestal rim is decorated with a wave pattern, called woshui, comprised of concentric circles and curled crests of water. This is interspersed with reliefs of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig). The eight cartouches set within this octagonal base all contain Foo lions in varying orientations.

Full research report available on request.