Lot 388

TWO MANDARIN ROSE VASES WITH THE GODDESS KUAN JIN

China, circa 1850, Qing dynasty. A pair of rare porcelain vases in Famille Rose colors with old, exceptionally high-quality enamel and gilded decoration in the Mandarin Rose style. The figural handles in the form of elegant court ladies with fans are a remarkable and rare feature of this investment porcelain, but even rarer are the decorative figures on the lids of both vases, symbolizing the Buddhist goddess of mercy Kuan Yin with a cup of sacred nectar. The goddess sits on a pink lotus latticework, which embodies her lotus throne, and interestingly complements the numerous scenes of a secular nature, which subtly show the opulent life of the imperial court. Apocryphal marks on the bottom of both vases.