Imperial Yellow Peking Glass Vase

c. 1900

$2,280

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Dimensions

H: 8.5" Dia: 4.75"

Materials

Peking Glass

Purchase Quantity

Collection #

CLHF002

Estimated Shipping

$75

A sumptuous example of Chinese Peking glass, this phoenix-tail vase is sculpted in a popular color known as "imperial yellow," "canary yellow" or "chicken-fat yellow." In a process similar to cameo glass, the vase began as a simple blown-glass form, which was then repeatedly dipped into liquid glass to create layers of rich yellow color. The soft outer layers were then artfully carved away to reveal a bas-relief design of peony flowers on one side, symbols of spring and love, and plum blossoms on the other, symbols of winter and longevity.

Additional Dimensions:
Diameter of Opening: 2.5"

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The Art of Peking Glass

Although practiced for centuries, Chinese glass-making gained prominence during the Qing-dynasty (1644–1911) with the introduction of Peking glass. Adapting Italian techniques, workshops in the Imperial Palace began creating layered and intricately-carved glass pieces that mimicked the translucency of jade, semiprecious stones, and rare jewels.