The sumptuous style of this vase is replicated on pieces in both the Beijing and Taiwan Palace collections, and would appear to have found favour at court in Qianlong's reign (1736-1795). The detailed and naturalistic painting of flowers and butterflies is set against a thick ruby-red enamel, while the jewel-like borders around the neck and above the foot are highlighted to simulate shining gems, with touches of gilding. The decoration suggests the influence of enamel-painted copper, manufactured in the palace enamelling workshop until 1789.
Physical description
The main ground is enamelled in purplish-crimson with a scratched lattice pattern and against this are set finely-painted iris and other flowers in 'famille rose' colours. the formal colours above and below are on a ground of yellow. A pale turquoise enamel appears inside the lip and on the base.
This style of decoration, described as 'on a graviata ground' in early 20th century English art books, are referred to as 'ci tai yang cai jin shang tian hua' in palace records. They were made between 1741 and 1743.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
1736-1795 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Porcelain painted in enamel colours
Marks and inscriptions
Qianlong 6-character seal mark in underglaze blue reserved in turquoise enamel on the base
Dimensions
Height: 24.2 cm, Width: 12.8 cm
Descriptive line
Vase of porcelain painted with enamels, 1736-1795, Qianlong period, Chinese.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Kerr, Rose Chinese Ceramics, Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911, London: V&A, 1998, No. 99
Rawski, Evelyn S. & Rawson, J. (Eds) China: The Three Emperors, 1662-1795, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2005
Materials
Porcelain
Techniques
Painted
Categories
Ceramics; Porcelain
Collection
East Asia Collection