Vase

myminifactory

The vase originates from the bronze hu vessel but showcases cloisonné craftsmanship. Cloisonné techniques were introduced to China from Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul) between 1200 and 1400 CE, where Chinese artisans skillfully adapted them. As time passed, artists aimed for bigger, more intricate, and luxurious designs. During the Qing dynasty's reigns of emperors Kangxi (ruling from 1662–1722) and Qianlong (ruling from 1736–95), cloisonné reached its pinnacle of artistic excellence. Colors became softer, filigrees more flexible, and fluid. Previously used for religious objects, cloisonné now embellished secular items. This vase is a quintessential example from the 1700s. It rests on a straight foot ring, with a globular body rising to a long, cylindrical neck that terminates in a lipped rim. The vase is adorned with colored enamels on a turquoise background. Upright leaves surround the neck; below, on the shoulder, is a band of interlocking Ts. Farther down lies an elaborate band featuring cloud patterns resembling ruyi scepters' heads, accompanied by a narrow frieze of small lotus scrolls. The main body, beneath a band of C-scrolls, is decorated with scrolling, stylized lotuses. The foot, base, and mouth rim are gilded. This item was scanned by the Minneapolis Institute of Art.