Pair of small baluster vases in polychrome cloisonné enamel - Lot 331

Pair of small baluster vases in polychrome cloisonné enamel on copper, decorated on the body with pairs of crossed flags, those of the United States of America and the Republic of China, alternating with a large shou (longevity) character surrounded by five bats, all on a white background with a cloud motif, the shoulder with an inscription in red lettering on a black background "Made in the 1st year of the Republic of China (Da zhonghua minguo yuan nian zao 大中華民國元年造)" (i.e. 1912), the neck decorated with lotus scrolls and banana leaves, the foot turquoise. China, Republic of China (1912-1949), 1912. Height: 23.5 cm. (Two shocks with enamel skip on one vase). Expert: L.M. Carrying a rare decorative motif (the two flags) and a clearly visible date, these vases undoubtedly celebrate the creation of the Republic of China in early 1912 and its friendship with the United States at the time: indeed, the USA immediately recognized and supported the new government of the Republic of China. Note that the American flag here features only 25 stars, probably for technical reasons. As for the flag of the Republic shown, known as the "five-colored flag" (wuse qi 五色旗), it was adopted as the national flag by the Provisional Senate of the Republic on January 10, 1912, but remained in use only until 1928.