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

The vase is potted in imitation of bronze vessels of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-221 B.C.) with two fixed turtledove head-form handles, which symbolise longevity. Vases of this form can also be found in Ding-type glaze and blue and white wares of the Qianlong period. However, it is extremely rare to find a gilt-splashed imitation bronze example. See a Qianlong mark and period censer in similar glaze in the Beijing Palace Museum collection, museum accession number: gu 00152646.