QIANLONG SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN UNDERGLAZE-BLUE AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

The lavish gilt and silver decoration seen on the current vessel is extremely well executed, undoubtedly from the hand of a highly skilled craftsman. The depicted imagery is imbued with a multitude of auspicious symbols, incorporating bats, dragons, wan and shou characters, ruyi heads, musical chimes, and lotus blooms. These motifs represent happiness, longevity and good wishes. The archaistic elements, such as the kui dragons, showcase the taste for archaism which was popular at the time of production under the Qianlong reign.

It is rare to find this combination of gold and silver decoration on a celadon ground. One such example is provided by a Qianlong mark and period twin-handled vase from the Général Omer Blot Collection, sold at Christie's London, 13 May 2008, lot 61.