QIANLONG INCISED SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN THREE LINES WITHIN DOUBLE RECTANGLES AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

Glass vases of this imposing size and unusual shape are extremely rare. Despite its broad body and relatively slender foot, the present vase is robustly constructed and well-balanced. The form is modelled after Han dynasty wine jars made in bronze or ceramic. The six-character reign mark in three lines is also rarely seen on Qianlong glass pieces. A related example is an unmarked transparent amber glass vase of the same shape, also with three bands around the mouth, shoulder and body, in the Andrew K.F. Lee Collection. This example is dated to the 18th century and was exhibited in Elegance and Radiance: Grandeur in Qing Glass. The Andrew K.F. Lee Collection, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, Catalogue, no. 49.