Chinese Figural Decorative Vase

This is a small, decorative Chinese vase, likely a snuff bottle or a miniature vase, characterized by its ornate, brightly colored hand-painted scenes. The vase has a slender neck, a globular body, and a small, slightly flared base. Its material appears to be porcelain or ceramic, with a glossy, possibly enameled finish. The primary decoration consists of highly detailed figural scenes, depicting what appear to be traditional Chinese court figures or characters from folklore, dressed in elaborate robes with various patterns and vibrant hues, including reds, blues, greens, and pinks. These scenes are set against a light background, possibly a cream or pale yellow, and are framed by what seems to be a grid-like or architectural element at the top, perhaps representing a pavilion or lattice work. A notable feature is the application of small, raised white or cream-colored 'dots' or 'beads' along vertical lines on the body of the vase, creating a textured, almost jeweled effect, and accentuating the curved form. Similar dots are visible around the base and possibly the rim, though the very top of the neck is not clearly visible. The overall condition appears to be good, with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant paint loss visible from this single photographic angle. The colors remain vivid, suggesting the piece has been well-preserved or is a more modern reproduction. Without clearer images of the base or interior, manufacturing details like maker's marks are indiscernible. Based on the style, it likely dates from the 20th century, possibly mid to late 20th century, as an decorative export item. The craftsmanship, while detailed, appears to be typical of mass-produced decorative items rather than a unique artisan piece, especially given the repetitive nature of some design elements and the application of the raised dots.

Explore similar items and categories: