Famille Verte Hat Stand with Ancient Censers

Dated to the late 19th century, this porcelain hat stand was once used by a Qing-dynasty gentleman to display his cap while it wasn't being worn. The hat stand is decorated in the famille verte style, a decorative technique that employs opaque overglaze enamels in reds, blues, and greens. The sides are painted with two ancient censer forms, one bearing plum blossoms, symbols of winter, and one bearing peonies, symbols of springtime.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.