A Fine And Rare Blue Glass Vase. Qianlong Mark And Period

of ovoid form, the clear blue glass incised in low-relief on the exterior with two fruiting trees, one peach and the other pomegranate, amid butterflies and rocks, the flat base wheel-cut with a four-character reign mark. 11.5cm., 4 1/2 in. Lot sold  3,750 GBP

NOTE: Glass vessels decorated with simple engraved designs are rare, although the technique, which is inspired by diamond-point engraved designs found on European, especially Venetian pieces, was introduced to Chinese glass artisans and became popular by the 18th century. For one of the earliest examples see a Kangxi period dish engraved with the motif of grapevines and birds, from the collection of Walter and Phyllis Shorenstein, included in the exhibition A Chorus of Colors, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 1995, cat.no. 20.

Compare a set of five light yellow glass cups engraved with the pictorial design of rocks, butterflies and blooming flowers, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo jinying poli falanqi quanji, vol. 4, Shijiazhuang, 2004, pl. 241; and a transparent bowl carved with swimming fish amongst waterweeds, also of the Qianlong period and in the Palace Museum collection, published in Luster of Autumn Water. Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Beijing, 2005, pl. 114.

The design of fruiting peach and pomegranate among butterflies and rocks is a highly auspicious one. While the peach is the symbol of longevity, pomegranate represents the wish for many sons and butterflies are symbols of blessings and joy.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com