QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

This unusual vase exhibits the fascinating amalgam of decorative sources that occurred in 18^th century China. The gilt, archaistic dragon border that frames each side of the vase may reference latticework on Chinese lanterns, and connects the decoration to the shape of the vase. The beautifully enameled scenes evoke settings of idyllic ease, and include ladies in various leisurely pursuits within luxurious interiors. Similar interior scenes can be found on two imperial famille rose small dishes, Qianlong mark and period, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Qingdai Hua Falang Tezhan Mulu – Catalogue of a Special Exhibition of Qing Dynasty Painted Enamels, Taipei, 1979, cover and nos. 110-111.

The scenes on the vase also interestingly reflect contemporary Chinese reverse mirror paintings. The image of the lady and elderly gentleman in a tranquil landscape closely references a scene found on a Chinese mirror painting in the British Royal Collection illustrated by M. Jourdain and R.S. Jenyns in Chinese Export Art in the Eighteenth Century, Feltham, 1967, no. 60, p. 103. The vignettes of sumptuous interiors on the other sides of the vase are also similar to scenes found on reverse mirror paintings and include elegant works of art, fruit and birds that all carry auspicious meanings.