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Lot Essay
The unusual form of this goblet is likely based on contemporary European drinking vessels, recorded as having been a part of tribute ware from the West, channeled through Guangzhou to the Court. Adam Schall von Bell, astronomer at the Qing Court, recorded in a letter the occasion of Holland's ambassadors Peter de Goyer and Jacob de Keyzer offering 'three goblets of Venice glass' amongst other tribute items to the Emperor in 1656. See E. Byrne Curtis, 'European Contributions to the Chinese Glass of the Early Qing Period', Journal of Glass Studies, vol. 35, pp. 91-101, for a further discussion of the relationship between European and Chinese glass.
The formalized lappets above and below the attenuated waist are commensurate with Chinese Imperial decoration, yet at the same time have a distinctly European flair. Whether this goblet was produced as tribute for the Court or for use in Western practices is difficult to say with certainty, although the superb quality and connection with European tribute wares suggest a possible Imperial attribution. Form and style would also allow the possibility that the goblet was made to Court order as part of the furnishings of the European Palace at the Yuan Ming Yuan during the Qianlong period.
The formalized lappets above and below the attenuated waist are commensurate with Chinese Imperial decoration, yet at the same time have a distinctly European flair. Whether this goblet was produced as tribute for the Court or for use in Western practices is difficult to say with certainty, although the superb quality and connection with European tribute wares suggest a possible Imperial attribution. Form and style would also allow the possibility that the goblet was made to Court order as part of the furnishings of the European Palace at the Yuan Ming Yuan during the Qianlong period.