An exquisite example of a covered glass vase of flattened baluster shape and cast in high relief with two sinuous coiling chilong dragons. The vase is a glass version of...
An exquisite example of a covered glass vase of flattened baluster shape and cast in high relief with two sinuous coiling chilong dragons. The vase is a glass version of its rock crystal counterpart of the Qing Dyansty, of which several comparable examples can be seen in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) glassmaking witnessed a big revival, probably a result of the imperial support, as many ateliers which were working specifically for the palace were established. The creation of these imperial workshops and their openness towards the introduction of western techniques, lead to the flourishing of Chinese glassmaking. Qing glass production was marked by enthusiastic support from the emperor, princes, and high officials and glass objects like the ones presented here were luxury articles. In the Kangxi period (1661-1722, the third emperor of the Qing dynasty) glass imitation of gems reached its peak, with clear glass used in place of rock crystal. Rock crystal was a material treasured by the Chinese people in the same way as they treasured jade and was a symbol of purity.