Date: Qianlong Reign Period, Qing (AD 1736-1795)

Dimensions: Height 20.6 cm, Width 10.7 cm

Material: Jade

• Object Type：
  • JADE
• Tag：
  • gu wine vessel chi dragon qing jade qianlong

The imitated antique jade wares of the Ming and Qing were the copies of the bronze sacrificial vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, but with variations and contemporary features. They were regarded as the re-creation of art. The bronze Gu was formerly used as a drinking vessel. The jade Gu on the other hand was generally used for flower arrangements, known as a flower goblet. This piece of jade work was made from a high grade yellow jade produced in Hotan, Xinjiang, which was pure and immaculate. Many of the jade works in the Qing palace were made from yellow jade, as a symbol of the dignity of the royal families. This flower goblet is carved with three Chi-dragons in relief. The Chi-dragon is a legendary dragon, with the partial tone of xi (happiness), symbolizing good luck. It became one of the main decorative patterns of jade wares together with dragon design after the Han dynasty. The date mark on the base of the Gu is ‘Qian Long Nian Zhi’, meaning ‘made in the reign period of Qianlong’, indicating it was an object used by the Emperor Qianlong.