PAIRE DE VASES D'APPLIQUE EN LAQUE ROUGE MONTES EN BRONZE DORE

The vases have convex fronts decorated in cinnabar lacquer and plain flat backs lacquered black. Each bulbous body is carved with a main panel; one depicts a rider and his horse - drinking at a lakeside - and also a crouching man carrying a banner. The other panel depicts a horse being led by a youth observed by two officials. The vases are further embellished by gilt bronze dragon handles. Compare a cinnabar lacquer box and cover with gilt bronze dragon handles illustrated in Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, no. 283.