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Chinese Vases

Chinese vases today are most reputably made out of porcelain or other types of ceramic. They are made for a variety of reasons: to hold spices and food, to hold fish, and for decoration, among others. The process of creating Chinese porcelain vases is considered awe-inspiring, but impressive vases in the past were also made from bronze and jade.

Bronze vases were often created in historical China, as early as 1650 B.C., for rituals and burials. Many Chinese bronze vases as well as other bronze vessels were found in the burial sights of the royal and noble. While the process behind these rituals is not well-documented, bronze vases were likely used to hold water or foods that were meant to be sacrificed during a ceremony, and not for consumption.

Similarly, jade vases were not likely used to hold anything for consumption, and were not historically used for the purpose of holding flowers. Instead, these sorts of objects were beautifully carved and rendered for those who had passed away, with hopes of bringing good luck.


Quick Facts

  • Many ancient Chinese bronze vases contained a “mask” motif. This motif stemmed from early Neolithic bronze and jade art, and was repeated in subsequent bronze and jade vase forms as a guardian or god that links the living to their ancestors
  • A common decorative detail of jade vases were handles with rings looped around. These rings were often carved out to show the skill of the artisan, since the rings, handles, and vase body needed to be carved from one single jade block
  • Early Chinese bronze vases often featured feet, likely made to be put over a flame to heat contents during a ritual. The handles on these vases were also made so that the vessel could be easily lifted from the heat source

Recommended Items at Auction

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Lg Mirror Pr Chinese 19 C Immortal Paradise Vases
Feb 16, 10:15 AM EST
Lg Mirror Pr Chinese 19 C Immortal Paradise Vases
by Eddie's Auction
Est: $4,000- $6,000
$2,00012 Bids
Shanghai Tang ceramic box vase, Height 22cm, with original box
Feb 16, 7:00 PM AEDT
Shanghai Tang ceramic box vase, Height 22cm, with original box
by Lawsons
Est: AUD150- AUD250
AUD11010 Bids
A Chinese Archaic style Chinese double handled urn (H:38.5cm)
Feb 13, 1:00 PM AEDT
A Chinese Archaic style Chinese double handled urn (H:38.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD250- AUD350
AUD909 Bids
A Chinese meiping shaped vase depicting dragons amongst stylised clouds, height 18.5cm
Feb 16, 7:00 PM AEDT
A Chinese meiping shaped vase depicting dragons amongst stylised clouds, height 18.5cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD708 Bids
Chinese carved stone lidded vase, twin handle. 23cm H, 15cm W, 8cm D.
Feb 16, 7:00 PM AEDT
Chinese carved stone lidded vase, twin handle. 23cm H, 15cm W, 8cm D.
by Bargain Hunt Auctions
Est: AUD0- AUD0
AUD506 Bids
An oversized Chinese floor vase depicting warriors, Height 77cm
Feb 16, 7:00 PM AEDT
An oversized Chinese floor vase depicting warriors, Height 77cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD100- AUD150
AUD455 Bids
A Very Fine Antique Chinese Black Five-Clawed Dragon Cloisonne Vase
Mar 01, 12:00 PM EST
A Very Fine Antique Chinese Black Five-Clawed Dragon Cloisonne Vase
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $500- $800
$1404 Bids
Chinese Large Pair of Cloisonne Vases with Stands
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Chinese Large Pair of Cloisonne Vases with Stands
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$1254 Bids
Chinese cobalt blue and white vase (H:35cm)
Feb 13, 1:00 PM AEDT
Chinese cobalt blue and white vase (H:35cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD304 Bids
A LARGE 19TH CENTURY CHINESE SANG DE BOEUF FLAMBE VASE Qing. 33cm high.
Feb 13, 9:00 AM GMT
A LARGE 19TH CENTURY CHINESE SANG DE BOEUF FLAMBE VASE Qing. 33cm high.
by Hannam's Auctioneers
Est: £100- £150
£802 Bids
MINIATURE NEPHRITE JADE VASE
Feb 22, 11:00 AM EST
MINIATURE NEPHRITE JADE VASE
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $300- $500
$602 Bids
THREE CLOISONNÉ-ENAMELLED VASES AND THREE SMALL BOWLS OR CUPS
Feb 20, 10:00 AM CET
THREE CLOISONNÉ-ENAMELLED VASES AND THREE SMALL BOWLS OR CUPS
by Nagel Auction
Est: €250- €350
€1302 Bids
A FINE BRONZE ‘PRUNUS’ VASE, QING DYNASTY
Feb 16, 10:00 AM MST
A FINE BRONZE ‘PRUNUS’ VASE, QING DYNASTY
by R & R Auction INC
Est: $0- $0
$152 Bids
Asian Art, A fine Chinese green and yellow biscuit vase with dragon decor. Marked.
Feb 19, 1:00 PM CET
Asian Art, A fine Chinese green and yellow biscuit vase with dragon decor. Marked.
by CR Art Auctions
Est: €400- €600
€2001 Bid
Asian Art, a pair of Chinese vases in cloisonné. Marked.
Feb 19, 1:00 PM CET
Asian Art, a pair of Chinese vases in cloisonné. Marked.
by CR Art Auctions
Est: €400- €600
€2001 Bid
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Chinese Soapstone Carvings
Mar 11, 10:00 AM EDT
Chinese Soapstone Carvings
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $50- $75
$201 Bid
A Large Chinese Cloisonne Vase
Mar 02, 11:00 AM AEDT
A Large Chinese Cloisonne Vase
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD401 Bid
PAIR CLOISONNE ENAMEL SQUARED VASES
Feb 23, 9:30 AM EST
PAIR CLOISONNE ENAMEL SQUARED VASES
by Berkeley Auction Gallery
Est: $5,000- $7,000
$8001 Bid
Chinese Cloisonne Double Gourd Pictorial 10.5 inch Vase Pair Gilt Enamel Vintage Antique
Feb 22, 12:00 PM EST
Chinese Cloisonne Double Gourd Pictorial 10.5 inch Vase Pair Gilt Enamel Vintage Antique
by Hess Fine Art
Est: $400- $800
$101 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Chinese Vases


Walnut Tree Auction House, Inc

Walnut Tree Auction House, Inc

Mega International Auction

Mega International Auction

Jumbo Auction House

Jumbo Auction House

Hannam's Auctioneers

Hannam's Auctioneers