Description:
Carved Peking glass covered ginger raised on a splayed, decorated foot. A fisherman hooks a carp, blossoming tree, willow tree and an oxen rider are part of the relief decoration of a semi-opaque red over opaque white ground. Reign mark of the Qianlong period incised into the base and factory or other mark in relief on the body.

Material:
Peking glass

Maker/Artist:
Chinese school

Date:
18th century

Provenance:
Patricia & Dennis Della Penta estate

Size of Artwork:
H. 3.5 x W. 3 x D. 2 in

Weight (LBS)
.59

Condition:
In excellent condition

History:
Chinese Overlay Carved Glass, also known as Peking Glass (Tao Liao Ping in Chinese), is a traditional form of art that starts with a one-color glass base, dipped into contrasting colored glass one layer at a time. The artist then carves away portions of the overlaid glass to reveal layers of other colors underneath, following certain designs. It is a lengthy and tedious process that is time consuming and labor intensive. However, the result is exquisite and exotic, unlike carved glass from other countries and regions.Peking Glass snuff bottles originated in the Imperial Forbidden City during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722), Qing Dynasty, when the western habit of consuming (snuffing) powder-formed tobacco was gaining popularity in high society in China. The Imperial Workshop would produce tiny bottles, called snuff bottles, for containing and carrying tobacco for use by the royal family, or as gifts to civil and military ministers of the royal court, and foreign diplomats. Over time this form of art slipped out of the Forbidden City and rooted and grew in the society of the common people.The Qing rulers, princes and ministers were ardent collectors of glass curios. With their financial support and a steady supply of labor, glass production at the Imperial glassworks went smoothly for some 200 years. In the eyes of the people, glass was as valuable as precious treasures.Due to the origin and the decorative nature of snuff bottles, they have become highly collectable. Rare and valuable antique snuff bottles change hands for high prices in Hong Kong and elsewhere. However, high quality contemporary snuff bottles are also sought after.Snuff bottles were made of various types of materials, such as, ivory, silver, lacquer, bamboo, cloisonné, exotic woods, glass, porcelain, jade, crystal, agate and other semi-precious stones. The imperial arts and crafts made during middle to late Qing Dynasty had a quality of extreme refinement. The snuff bottles from that period represent a mixture of classic elegance and folk-art oriented subject matter.Peking Glass as a form of art thrived along the same course as snuff bottles, and reached its peak during the reign of Qianlong (1736-1795). In fact, all Peking Glass is referred to as Qianlong Glass in Japanese art society. Most of the early snuff bottles were made of Peking Glass. Other base materials followed gradually.