An extremely fine quality example of a clear cast glass vase. The glass is colourless and resembles the purity and brilliance of rock-crystal. Shaped by mould, the piece is elegantly...
An extremely fine quality example of a clear cast glass vase. The glass is colourless and resembles the purity and brilliance of rock-crystal. Shaped by mould, the piece is elegantly decorated with figures of mythical animals in high relief. A delightfully designed phoenixes can also be admired on the body of the glass, which is supported by a cylindrical foot, in the style of cut glass. In its size and finesse of execution, this piece is a rare example of the skills of the artisans during the Qing Dynasty.
Indeed, 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.