Canton Enamel Planter. China, Qianlong (1735 - 1795)

Canton enamels unlike Chinese cloisonné enamels are not delimited by thin metal partitions but painted freehand. This is a noticeable difference that is easily seen with the naked eye if you pay attention to it. The enamels of our planter belong to the rose family and are applied to a copper core, a frequent support for this type of object from the reign of Emperor Qianlong who lived from 1711 to 1799 and remained on the throne for 60 years, from 1735 to 1795.

Rectangular in shape, our Canton enamel planter has certainly experienced a few accidents, which is only natural after all the distance it has come, but remains in an excellent state of preservation for its venerable age. It rests on four small feet and each side is decorated with a cartouche featuring birds and phoenixes. The very beautiful yellow background is decorated with flowers and foliage while two Greek friezes frame the body, defining the base and the lip of our planter. For lovers of ancient Chinese art, this is a very beautiful 18th century collector’s item.