Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exceptional pair of porcelain rouleau (paper-roller) vases decorated in the vibrant Famille Verte palette. The body of each vase is meticulously painted with narrative panels depicting legendary scholars, poets, and historical figures, accompanied by calligraphic inscriptions and poetry. The base of each vase features an apocryphal underglaze blue six-character Kangxi reign mark within a double ring.
Story
Created in the late 19th or early 20th century, these vases celebrate China's golden age of literature. The painted panels illustrate the famous 'Three Laughers of Tiger Glen,' a legendary 4th-century tale of interfaith friendship.
Maker / Origin
While bearing the mark of the great Emperor Kangxi (1662–1722), these were crafted by highly skilled revivalist masters in Jingdezhen during the late Qing or early Republic period. This era saw a passionate renaissance of classic ceramic styles, driven by a global demand for the brilliant green and iron-red enamels of the 17th century.
Condition & Value
The vases appear to be in excellent structural condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major enamel loss. There is minor, expected wear to the gilding on the rims and light surface scratches consistent with age. A well-matched pair in this condition is increasingly difficult to find.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.