As porcelain was a medium that was relatively easy to control and decorate to high standards of Imperial quality, it was frequently used to simulate a variety of other works of art such as hardstones, bronzes cloisonné enamels, wood and lacquer. It is highly unusual to find porcelains decorated to imitate marble as on the present vase. Compare with a Qianlong-marked archer's ring designed with similar swirls from the National Palace Museum, Taibei, illustrated in Sekai Toji Zenshu, Japan, 1983, p. 183, no. 232.

An oviform vase of this same landscape pattern, depicting scholars in discussion near a bridge that leads to a thatched cottage in the distance reserved against a similar marbled-ground was sold in these Rooms, 19 January 1988, lot 365.