Chinese porcelain vase from the Canton period, 20th century.

Important porcelain vase from Canton, southern China, dating from the early 20th century, with a height of 43 cm. This elongated baluster-shaped vase rests on a slightly flared foot and is topped with a high, flared neck with a scalloped lip. It is richly decorated with a polychrome enamel design known as "thousand flowers," typical of Cantonese productions intended for export at the end of the Qing dynasty. The body is adorned with large lobed cartouches depicting lively scenes of characters, inspired by Chinese literature and history: court scenes, processions, and military episodes, treated with vivacity and great finesse of drawing. These cartouches alternate with small landscape medallions featuring pavilions, hills, and stylised vegetation. The entire decoration is enriched with an abundantly floral background composed of peonies, lotuses, and foliage, symbols of prosperity and renewal. The shoulders of the vase are fitted with stylised elephant head handles, enamelled in pale blue, holding movable rings, a decorative and symbolic detail frequently found on quality pieces. The neck features a geometric and stylised frieze in pastel tones (yellow, pink, and green), framing figurative reserves. The interior of the neck and base is enamelled in a milky white, with no apparent mark, characteristic of Canton porcelain from this period.