HONG KONG.- A Magnificent Imperial Teadust Famille Rose Vase, Qianlong Seal Mark and of the Period (1736-1795), will be offered in the Fine Chinese Works of Art sale at Bonhams Hong Kong on 4 June. The vase is an outstanding example of the innovation in form and experimentation with decoration which defined the artistic output of the Qing Dynasty during the 18th century. It is estimated at HK$6,000,000 - 8,000,000.

The form of the vase demonstrates a boldness and invention in shape and proportion, but also shows a continuation from the vases of the preceding Yongzheng reign period (1723-1735), themselves inspired by the archaic bronze vases of the late Spring and Autumn period and Han dynasty in the 6th and 2nd centuries B.C. The influence of the ancient world in the present vase follows the instruction of the Qianlong Emperor to ‘restore ancient ways’ – the sincerity, simplicity and joyous exuberance of the ancient world.

Archaic-inspired porcelain of the Qing dynasty reached its peak under the direction of Tang Ying (1682-1756), Superintendent of the Imperial porcelain works between 1728 and 1748. The innovations of this period included the experimentation with monochrome glazes and the playful manipulation of the porcelain to imitate various materials, including coral, silver, bronze, wood and bamboo.

The present vase is glazed with ‘teadust,’ a crystallised glaze which reached its height of popularity during the Yongzheng and Qianlong reign periods. Composed of yellow and olive specks which together resemble tea dust, it produced a diverse range of tones with different firing conditions. The combination of teadust monochrome glaze with famille rose decoration as seen on the present vase is extremely rare.

The famille rose decoration of floral blossoms, including tree peony, rose, aster, and pink and lingzhi fungus, is enamelled on four circular medallions on the sides of the vase. The peony, known as ‘The King of Flowers,’ represents spring, while the lingzhi fungus represents the wish for longevity. Together, they are symbolic of renewal.

It is a vase of innovative form and complex design which captures with opulence of the Qing dynasty during its peak reached in the celebrated Qianlong and the virtuosity of the master potters.

Asaph Hyman, Director of Chinese Art, commented: ‘We are delighted to offer this exceptionally rare and fine example, demonstrating the innovation and opulence of the Qianlong reign period. It has been treasured in a distinguished English private collection and it is a privilege to bring it to light for the first time in decades.’