Wonderful, high quality, large and heavy Chinese Hu form celadon vase dating to the 19th Century - probably made in the Guangxu period under the auspices of Empress Dowager Cixi. The Empress Dowager effectively controlled China in the late Qing dynasty from 1861 until her death in 1908, bringing China into the 20th Century and ensuring China returned to the production of quality porcelain.

Collection label on base 'Works and Public Buildings' - a Government department which existed for just 7 years circa 1960. This piece would have been displayed in a number of public buildings over a period of time. The vase is modelled after an archaistic bronze with zoomorphic confronting dragons divided by 5 bronze style bands and two very finely modelled monster head ringed handles. Glaze has run down and has pooled near the foot leaving the lip almost white where it has been drained. The foot rim is finely executed and rounded. The base is covered in lighter celadon with a 6 character underglaze blue Qianlong mark lined up perfectly with the pattern - but later.

Condition- excellent

Size: height 30 cm, diameter 21 cm