A libation cast glass cup, finely decorated with a pair of phoenixes on one side and an anthropomorphic chi tiger on the other side. The vessel is trumpet-shaped and the...
A libation cast glass cup, finely decorated with a pair of phoenixes on one side and an anthropomorphic chi tiger on the other side. The vessel is trumpet-shaped and the whole surface is richly decorated with delicate geometrical motifs which surround the feathers of one big phoenix. The vessel is supported by a thick low outsplayed foot, which also accommodates the feet of the phoenix. The vessel is in great conditions, with no sign of damage and the glass does not show any pitting or iridescence. Similar cups are found in other materials, such as jade, rock crystal and sometimes wood, which were finely carved with comparable motifs.
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.