Lot Essay
Unlike all the Canton enamel lots in this auction, this European-subject vase bears the reign mark of the Emperor Qianlong. This suggests that, although the quality and subject matter is entirely consistent for export enamelware of 18th Century date, this piece is in fact being made for a domestic Chinese market. Educated men in the Imperial government service, and attached to the vast bureaucratic edifice of the Imperial Court, had come to regard the activities and appearance of Westerners with an amused tolerance which justifed their appearance as whimsical figures on arts and crafts manufactures, but not 'in the flesh' as equal trading partners or diplomats.
An almost identical enamel stem-vase, although a Yongzheng mark and period example, was sold Christie's New York, 2 December 1985, lot 378.
An almost identical enamel stem-vase, although a Yongzheng mark and period example, was sold Christie's New York, 2 December 1985, lot 378.