Description:

This unusual shape is similar to a Buddhist monk’s begging bowl, although it is unlikely to have been used for that purpose as it is too delicate. The imperial workshops probably used Buddhist designs like this because Buddhism was popular in the Chinese court at this time. This piece may originally have had a wooden stand to hold it in the correct position.

Glass, carved overlay
Height: 7.4 cm, diameter: 9.5 cm
Incised four-character mark of Qianlong (1736-1795), of the period

Chinese Description:

套料钵盂洗 中国，清乾隆朝(1736-1795) 这件水盂仿效僧侣用的钵盂，形制精致，或许不会作洗笔、盛水之用。当时清廷上下崇信佛教，宫廷造办处出产不少这类与佛教相关的设计。这件器皿还可能配上木座，以便家居摆饰。 玻璃，套料雕刻 刻有「乾隆年制」四字

Creator: Unknown

Date: Qianlong reign period (1736-1795)

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4679