A pair of stylish Chinese porcelain Gu form vases also known as "Beaker" or "Flaring" vases. Decorated with underglaze blue and with overglaze enamels. Hand painted with overall vines and intermittent large cherry blossoms and middle 'fret' border. These vases have their design roots in the early bro nze age during the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600-256 BC). Original purpose was as a wine drinking vessel. The first porcelain examples are thought to have been during the Yuan dynasty. The form became particularly popular during the middle of the 17th C. right through the Qianlong period. Both stamped on the underside "CHINA" in red. Age: Late 19th/early 20th century. Acquired from a collector of Chinese porcelains who has amassed such over the last 40 years. Dimensions: Each is 9 1/4" tall x 4 1/2" diameter at top rim x 3 1/4" at bottom rim. Total weight of both pieces 3.5 pounds
