Description:

On the base of this vase is a six-character mark of the Qianlong emperor and the Chinese character for Heaven, tian. One of the names for an emperor in China was ‘Son of Heaven’ as people believed that emperors ruled the world on behalf of Heaven. This shows a close relationship with the imperial palace workshops.

The blue layer of glass is carved in a pattern copying imperial porcelain of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Throughout the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) educated people admired the shapes and designs of Ming ceramics and copies of Ming ceramics were popular in the imperial palace.

Glass, carved overlay
Height: 11.0 cm, diameter: 5.7 cm, neck diameter: 1.9 cm
Six-character mark of Qianlong (1736-1795) with character tian.

Creator: Unknown

Date: Qianlong reign period (1736-1795)

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4554