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Lot Essay
This unusual vase with its archaistic decoration and enamelling suggesting the patina of ancient bronze represents a major artistic theme of the Qianlong reign. Like his predecessors, the Qianlong Emperor was a great admirer and collector of antiques. Indeed, he personally added more items to the imperial collections than any of his forebears. His interest was such that he commissioned illustrated catalogues of specific areas of his collection. The Emperor's interest in antiques was not confined to collecting, he also specifically commissioned contemporary works of art in ancient style. In the case of the current vase, this antiquarian interest was combined with another popular fascination - that of imitating one material in another. In the Qianlong reign this fascination was at its height, and lacquer, stone, wood and bronze were among the materials reproduced in porcelain and more rarely in painted enamel wares.
Especially in the imitation of ancient cast bronze, the decoration often appears more rounded and adapted to the 18th century taste, in order to produce the best decorative effect.
Compare with a similarly painted enamel stem cup from the Palace, illustrated in Metal-bodied Enamel Ware - The Complete Collection of Treasure of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong 2002, pl.241.
Especially in the imitation of ancient cast bronze, the decoration often appears more rounded and adapted to the 18th century taste, in order to produce the best decorative effect.
Compare with a similarly painted enamel stem cup from the Palace, illustrated in Metal-bodied Enamel Ware - The Complete Collection of Treasure of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong 2002, pl.241.