PAIR OF LARGE CLOISONNÉ VASES

ADORNED WITH IMPERIAL FIVE-FINGERED DRAGONS AND TAOTIE MASKS

Acquired by the Musée national des Arts Asiatiques, Guimet, Paris, France

China, Beijing, De Cheng manufactory, second half of the 19^th century.

Cloisonné enamels and chased and gilt bronze.

H. 64 cm (25 ¼ in.).

On the reverse of the base: seal of the De Cheng manufactory, Beijing.

PROVENANCE: Collection of Count Robert de Semallé (1849–1936), grandson of Count Jean-René-Pierre de Semallé (1772–1863), page to Louis XVI, then financial agent of the Count of Artois, future Charles X.