A magnificent pair of Beijing enamel yellow-ground 'floral' vases, Marks and period Qianlong | 清乾隆 北京銅胎畫琺瑯黃地纏枝花卉紋長頸瓶一對 《乾隆年製》款

The present pair of vases appears to be the only example known of this form, although the decoration of densely foliated flower scroll of peonies, camellias and carnations on a yellow-ground may be found on a number of imperial wares of the Qianlong period. For example, see a joined covered jar, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, similarly bearing a four-character Qianlong reign mark in blue enamel within double squares on the base, published in Enamel Ware in the Ming and Ch’ing Dynasties, Taipei, 1999, pl. 124; a covered bowl with the cover finely painted overall with this motif, ibid., pl. 135, together with a Qianlong mark and period teapot, pl. 118, where the decoration was used as a background motif. See also a painted enamel gold-bodied cup and its matching stand, from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, included in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 204; together with a hat stand, the stand painted with a similar flower scroll design, pl. 211, also in the Palace Museum. Compare also a kang table, the entire piece covered with a foliate flower scroll design on yellow ground, ibid., pl. 226, attributed to the Qianlong period.

Enamelling on metal was first introduced in Beijing around 1714-1716. By the 18th century, enamelling on metal had reached its peak and reflected the extravagant taste of the Qianlong Emperor. The present pair of vases display the characteristic painting style and pastel colours used in the Enamel Workshop belonging to the Zaobanchu (Imperial Palace Workshops) located in the Forbidden City. The Enamel Workshop was in charge of producing cloisonné, champleve and painted enamel wares on metal, porcelain and glass for the use of the emperor and members of the Imperial household. Enamelling on metal was first introduced by Jesuit missionary artists working for the Kangxi Emperor. By the Qianlong period the Enamel Workshop was producing wares of delicately painted design and outstandingly fine workmanship.