QIANLONG CARVED SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

The poem inscribed on the bowl, Sanqing cha (Three Purity Tea), was composed by the Qianlong Emperor during his autumn tour of Mount Wutai in the eleventh year of his reign (1746). While returning to Dingxing and encountering snow, he brewed Sanqing tea using snow water in a felt tent. This poem became one of Qianlong's favourites and was later inscribed on tea bowls made from various materials during his reign. The poem describes tea crafted from plum blossoms, finger citron, and pine nut kernels, highlighting the virtues of tea-making. Each New Year, Qianlong hosted a tea-drinking banquet in the Forbidden City, where his guests were invited to compose poetry.