Buccleuch Vases

The Buccleuch Vases are a set of four exceptionally rare porcelain vases dating back to the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty (circa 1796–1820). The name for these masterpieces stems from their long-standing history within the collection of the prominent Buccleuch family in Scotland, Great Britain.

Crafted with exquisite Chinese ceramic artistry, the vases feature Buddhist and Taoist symbols that reference themes of prosperity and longevity. They are further distinguished by their 19th-century French-style cast and chased ormolu mounts and handles. Remarkably, these delicate vases remained completely intact after the mounting process, resulting in a seamless blend of Chinese porcelain and Western metalwork.

This quartet of vases is named after the renowned Buccleuch family of Scotland, Great Britain, who held them in their private collection for generations. Elizabeth Montagu, the 3rd Duchess of Buccleuch, was the earliest recorded owner. In 2011, Wynn acquired the complete set for public display at Wynn Palace in Macau.

Harmoniously fusing Qing Dynasty porcelain with 19th-century French-style cast and chased ormolu artistry, the Buccleuch Vases are masterpieces of Chinoiserie, a style that combines Chinese and Western influences. Their artistic significance is highlighted by several key features:

• Chinese Porcelain: The vases are exemplary models of the work produced by the Jingdezhen imperial kilns during the Jiaqing reign (circa 1796–1820). They feature a baluster shape and the vibrant famille rose palette characteristic of the early Jiaqing era.

• Symbolic Motifs: The designs incorporate Buddhist and Taoist symbols that represent traditional Chinese blessings for success, longevity, and fulfillment.

• Cross-Cultural Mounting: The 19th-century French-style cast and chased ormolu mounts and handles were added using a non-invasive method. Since no holes were drilled and no adhesives were used on the original porcelain, the vases were preserved in their original state, a technically difficult feat that is highly regarded by experts.

• Rare Completeness: It is extraordinary for a set of four large-scale vases to remain together for over 200 years. Both the porcelain glaze and the ormolu have been perfectly preserved, which is exceptionally rare in the world of fine ceramics.

• Harmonious Coexistence: These pieces represent a dialogue between cultures, where Chinese porcelain artistry and European ormolu works coexist beautifully, reflecting a shared global aesthetic and the mastery of different eras.

The vases are engraved with traditional auspicious Chinese Buddhist and Taoist patterns containing profound cultural meanings.

• The Secret Eight Immortals: The bamboo drum, sword, castanets, fan, gourd, flute, lotus, and flower basket are the instruments associated with the Eight Immortals of Taoist legend. Representing these deities through their tools symbolizes the achievement of immortality and brings blessings of peace and protection.

• Flying Bats: In Chinese culture, the word for "bat" is a homophone for "good fortune." These motifs symbolize an abundance of happiness and success.

• Lotus Flowers: These flowers represent purity, high character, and harmony.

• Twin Fish: One of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, the twin fish represent freedom, abundance, and joy.

The survival of a quartet porcelain set of this scale and age is nearly miraculous, making the Buccleuch Vases regarded as world-class treasures. The only other known set of similar size and historical significance is held in the British Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace in London.

Beyond the Buccleuch Vases, Wynn Palace features an extensive collection of both traditional and contemporary art from the East and West throughout its public spaces. Highlights include:

• Antique Lacquer Screen:

One of a pair of 18th-century Cantonese three-fold screens, this extremely rare and valuable example of Chinese export art showcases intricate lacquer and gilding crafts. Hidden in its beauty is the robust development of trade and the interesting exchange of culture between the East and West.

• The Chinese Garden Tapestry:

Produced in the ateliers of Aubusson, this work is based on an 18th-century Rococo painting by François Boucher. Using soft blue tones, it depicts an imaginative Chinese garden scene.

• The Harvesting of Pineapples Tapestry:

Created by the Beauvais workshop in the 18th century, this piece is part of “The Story of the Emperor of China” series. It depicts an imagined royal court harvest of pineapple in a Chinese botanic garden.

• Louis XV Verdure Tapestry:

This 1750s verdure tapestry from Aubusson depicts a delightful chinoiserie scene where birds, idle near a river, are surrounded by stylized and variegated foliage and exotic trees, as well as Chinese pagodas.

• Amphora III:

​​​​​​​This two-meter tall large-scale contemporary ceramic work crafted between 1996 and 1997 by American artist Viola Frey brings to life a vibrant vision of contemporary figures with reference to the tradition established by ancient Greek vase painters.

• Cinderella High Heel:

​​​​​​​Crafted by Chinese artist Liao Yibai, this stainless steel sculpture uses an oversized stiletto to explore consumerism and authenticity.

• Fake Antique Series:

​​​​​​​This 2013 collection of works by Liao Yibai uses stainless steel to replicate cultural treasures from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties with modern elements, referencing the lucrative fake antiques market and the artistry of copy artists.

• Dragon Mirrors:

This set of Chinoiserie mirrors from the late 19th to early 20th century was designed by Gabriel-Frédéric Viardot. Their dragon forms and asymmetrical designs add a sense of drama and movement, creating a chimerical vision that blurs the boundaries between sculpture and decorative arts.