This exquisite statuette of a man is a rare example of Qing cast glass made in the style of carved rock crystal. During the Qing Dynasty clear transparent glass was...
This exquisite statuette of a man is a rare example of Qing cast glass made in the style of carved rock crystal. During the Qing Dynasty clear transparent glass was often used in place of rock crystal. 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.