| Description
| Cloisonne vase (enamelled metal) inset with gold, silver and coloured designs. The rim of the vase is dented. Regimental records state that it was captured during the China War of 1840-42, in which the 26th Regiment were involved.
A letter in object file from Chinese Art specialist Nick Pearce gives the following information:
'The cloisonne vase is indeed Chinese, most probably made of gilding rather than brass. It is interesting having the provenance, as this style of piece tends to get labelled as 'late 19th century'. In fact I should say it was new when a member of the Cameronians bought or stole it. The style of iconography - to the neck of the vase a field of scrolling flowers (some lotus) with some of the 'Eight Buddhist Treasures' (I can see the canopy in the picture) and below, more lotus flowers with kingfishers bordered by bands of ruyi designs - is similar to dated enamel porcelains of the Daoguang period (1821-50).'
As a result of their contribution to the action in 1842, the "China" device & dragon were authorised for use on the colours of the 26th. |
