Page 178 - Christie's London Fine Chinese Ceramics Nov. 2019

The concept of ‘imitation’ has been a recurring theme in the l’oeil or ‘trick of the eye’, as shown by the murals in the Palace
arts of China for centuries but became especially prolifc in of Tranquility and Longevity, Ningshou Gong, an area of the
the imperial arts and ceramics of the Qianlong period, in the Forbidden City built especially for his retirement, representing a
replication of previous forms, glazes and designs, as well as in ‘microcosm’ of all things that he appreciated most. Through the
the simulation of the appearance and feel of one material through use of Western perspective techniques, these impressive murals
another. Inherently valuable materials such as lacquer, bronze, deceive the viewer into believing that the room extends into the
agate and turquoise, as well as more ordinary materials such as walls and beyond.
wood and attractive stones were simulated on ceramics.
It is within this context that the production of the current rare
The Qianlong emperor was an avid collector of antiques and, ‘imitation bronze’ moon fask took place. The imitation of archaic
following in the footsteps of the Northern Song Emperor Huizong bronze patina on porcelain is more commonly seen on vessels
(1100-1118), he commissioned numerous illustrated catalogues which, as well as imitating the look of bronze material, also
of his vast collection. His fascination for ancient culture led to a replicate the form of ancient bronze vessels from the Shang
contemporary fashion for artworks being reproduced in historic or Zhou dynasties. This particular vessel is unusual because it
style. He also greatly appreciated the arts of the West and was combines a shape usually seen in previous porcelain examples
inspired by European missionaries such as Giuseppe Castiglione, with the look and feel of an archaic bronze ware. In this case,
who were present at the imperial courts, to commission imperial the moon fask form is based on Chinese ceramics of the early
works of art incorporating Western artistic techniques. The Ming dynasty, 15th century, which were in turn inspired by Islamic
emperor was particularly intrigued by the concept of trompe metalwork or glass.

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