Faceted forms derive from European stylistic and technical influence during the early years of the Beijing Palace glassworks which were set up in 1696. At this time, the workshops were under the direction of a Jesuit missionary named Kilian Stumpf, and there is every reason to expect European influence in design as well as manufacture. Bohemian glass of the 17th and 18th centuries is well known for faceting, and similarities with early Palace workshop production suggest a clear connection. Another source of the form may be found in the European watches which had considerable influence on early Qing court enamelling.

This bottle probably dates from the Yongzheng or early Qianlong period and can be confidently attributed to the Palace workshops, based on its small size, faceted shape and wide mouth, all characteristics of early Palace production.