Chinese Porcelain Rose Medallion Bats 福 Miniature Cylindrical Vase 19th C

Chinese porcelain hand painted miniature cylindrical vase or spill holder decorated in the famille rose medallion pattern. There are two panels each painted in bright enamel colours with three Chinese figures in two different domestic scenes, some collectors refer to this as "Mandarin pattern".  

The remaining surface is further decorated auspicious Chinese symbols painted in green, pink, orange, black enamels and gilding including Lotus flowers, peonies and butterflies. Unusually there are two bats painted in the top border, one pink bodied with orange wings the other orange bodied with green wings. The bat is a symbol of happiness and joy in Chinese culture. The word for bat (fu 蝠) sounds identical to the word for good fortune (fu 福).  This vase dates from the 19th century around 1850. Xianfeng 咸豐帝  was the Emperor on the throne at this time in the Qing 清代  dynasty.

It is in very good antique condition with a little rubbing to the enamels and a glaze flaw to the interior from the rim, dating from manufacture. 

This is a lovely item to add to any collection of Chinese famille rose medallion ware or porcelain,

Height  4 3/8 inch ( 11.5 cm)
Diameter 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)
Weight 100 grammes unpacked