Page 171 - Sothebys Speelman Gems of Chinese Art

This ewer is a rare and unusual interpretation of the Tibetan the highest quality materials and techniques of the time; for
ritual vessel, duomuhu. Made of the highly prized wood example see an exceptional gold-bodied example decorated
zitan, it has transformed the cylindrical vessel into a modern with cloisonné and Beijing enamels, included in the exhibition
version of square section that is inspired by archaism. Such China. The Three Emperors, Royal Academy of Arts, London,
adaptations of traditional objects reflect the style of the 2006, cat. no. 54, and sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 11th
Qianlong Emperor, who had a penchant for the novel and April 2008, lot 2842; and a famille rose-decorated porcelain
an element of surprise. Elegantly designed vessels of this example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The
type would have enjoyed a place of prestige in Buddhist Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum.
ceremonies at court during his reign. Porcelains with Cloisonné Enamel Decoration and Famille
Rose Decoration. Hong Kong, 1999, no. 98. A shorter ewer
The Qianlong Emperor’s devotion to Tibetan Buddhism
directed the production of many sophisticated ritual with two registers, made from gilded-copper, in the Tibet
implements. The form originates from a Tibetan wood and Museum, was included in the exhibition Treasures from
metal vessel which was used to store butter and for making Snow Mountains. Gems of Tibetan Cultural Relics, Shanghai
the traditional buttered tea for religious ceremonies. This Museum, Shanghai, 2001, cat. no. 105, together with a gilded
humble prototype was reproduced into splendid ceremonial silver example, cat. no. 106.
vessels under the Qianlong Emperor, but manufactured using

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