CHINA, QING DYNASTY

Qianlong Period (1736–1795)

A Snowflake-Ground Pale Violet Overlay Beijing Glass Jar and Cover

Description

Of compressed globular form rising from a gently recessed base to a short neck and domed cover, the silhouette dignified and harmoniously proportioned. The body is composed of semi-translucent pale violet glass displaying an evenly dispersed and finely granulated snowflake ground (xuefei di), providing a softly diffused surface of refined texture.

Over this ground is applied a deep cobalt-blue overlay layer, expertly carved through to the underlying glass in a confident combination of relief and cut-ground techniques. The carving demonstrates precise structural control, crisp transitions between planes, and measured depth modeling consistent with mature imperial glass workmanship of the High Qing period.

The domed cover is decorated with five bats in flight among ruyi-shaped cloud scrolls, forming an auspicious rebus for the “Five Blessings.” Encircling the shoulder is a continuous band of ruyi heads, evenly spaced and architecturally integrated into the overall form.

The body is carved in continuous landscape relief depicting pine trees and mounted figures. The pine branches are articulated with clustered needle groupings and twisting trunks, while the equestrian figures are rendered with careful attention to drapery folds, posture, and the muscular structure of the horses. The composition unfolds in layered spatial progression, revealing technical assurance and compositional balance characteristic of refined Qing court overlay carving.

Mark

The base bears a square seal-script mark executed in positive relief created through a cut-ground overlay technique.

The surrounding overlay ground was carefully removed from the base area, allowing the seal-script characters to stand in raised relief. The surface was subsequently refined and polished, producing sharply defined edges and a unified finish. This method corresponds to the decorative cut-ground positive seal technique employed in imperial-style Qing glass.

Technique

Imperial Beijing overlay glass

• Snowflake-ground pale violet glass body

• Deep cobalt-blue overlay layer

• Combined relief carving and cut-ground carving

• Cut-ground positive relief square seal-script mark

Dimensions

Height: 19 cm (7.5 in), including cover.

Date

Qianlong period (1736–1795)

Condition

In excellent and exceptionally well-preserved condition.

No apparent cracks, chips, restorations, or structural issues observed. Carved contours, edges, and cut-ground boundaries remain crisp and intact, without evidence of later re-polishing or alteration.

The surface exhibits a soft, mature sheen consistent with natural aging. The patination appears stable and even, corresponding appropriately to the proposed period.