Qing Dynasty Porcelain Vase with Openwork and Famille Rose Decoration (Attributed to the Qianlong Reign, 18th Century)

Abstract This study documents a double-walled Qing dynasty porcelain vase attributed to the Qianlong period (1736–1795). The outer wall is of baluster form with reticulated shou (longevity) motifs, enamelled in famille-rose over an iron-red brocade ground with etched scrolls. Circular reserves contain landscape scenes with poetic inscriptions. Microscopic examination (10–200×) reveals stratified famille-rose enamels, etched spiral diaper within the iron-red ground, copper-based turquoise glaze at the base, and cobalt reign mark painted in seal script. Through the openwork, an inner vase decorated in underglaze cobalt blue is visible, confirming double-walled construction (liangceng ping). This record provides neutral documentation of the object with emphasis on technical features and materials analysis. Technical Description 1. Porcelain Body and Forming Dense white porcelain with scattered inclusions and micro-pores, consistent with high-temperature firing. Constructed as a double-walled vessel: an inner vase with cobalt decoration, enclosed by an outer reticulated shell pierced with shou motifs. Tool marks along edges of the openwork indicate carving before glazing. 2. Famille Rose Enamels (fencai 粉彩) Pink enamels: produced with colloidal gold (Purple of Cassius) in a lead-silicate flux. Microscopy shows soft layering, granular texture, and semi-transparent tonal gradients. Yellow: opaque lemon tones, consistent with lead-antimonate pigments. Greens and blues: copper- and cobalt-bearing enamels, with visible pigment agglomerates under magnification. Black linework: manganese/iron-based pigment with slightly matte surface. Application: enamels applied in successive layers and refired at ~700–800 °C. 3. Iron-Red Brocade Ground with Etched Scrolls (jin di 锦地) The ruby-red ground is iron-oxide enamel. Curling scrolls (juanwen 卷纹) are finely incised into the enamel surface rather than painted over. Under magnification, pale lines correspond to engraved channels catching light differently from the surrounding enamel. This technique, documented in imperial wares, creates a textile-like surface effect. 4. Reticulated Body with “Shou” Longevity Lattice The pierced outer wall forms repeating stylized shou 寿 characters. Glaze pooling at inner edges confirms piercing prior to glazing. Symbolically, the repeated shou lattice represents endless longevity, a frequent motif in imperial porcelain. 5. Landscape Medallions with Inscriptions Circular reserves contain polychrome enamel landscapes (shan shui 山水). Brushstrokes show layered cobalt washes with soft diffusion. White grounds display micro-bubbles (10–40 µm) in enamel. Inscriptions are rendered in fine black enamel with a red seal mark. Composition combines auspicious scenery with poetry, reflecting literati taste. 6. Turquoise Glaze and Cobalt Reign Mark The vase base is coated in a turquoise copper-bearing lead-alkali glaze, showing dispersed mineral specks and micro-bubbles under magnification. A white opaque enamel panel serves as the ground for the reign mark. The six-character Qianlong mark in seal script is painted in cobalt. Microscopy reveals pigment clustering, feathered halos, and pooling at stroke ends, consistent with hand-applied enamel marks. Comparative examples of turquoise-based Qianlong marks exist in the Palace Museum, Beijing. 7. Double-Walled Construction with Inner Cobalt-Decorated Vase (liangceng ping 两层瓶) The inner vase is visible through the openwork, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue. This confirms a concentric assembly: an inner functional vessel and an outer decorative shell. Such double-walled constructions are among the most technically demanding porcelain types of the Qianlong period, known from palace collections and major auction records. Methods Microscopy: Optical digital microscopy, 10–200× magnification, reflected and oblique illumination. Examination criteria: enamel layering, pigment granularity, bubble distribution, glaze pooling, and structural relationships. Non-invasive: No destructive sampling was performed; conclusions are based on morphological and optical features. Diagnostic Summary Pink and polychrome enamels consistent with famille rose technology of the mid-Qing period. Iron-red brocade ground shows etched scrolls (sgraffito technique), not overlaid enamels. Reticulated body forming shou characters confirms high-level pierced work. Medallions with landscapes and inscriptions executed in enamel overglaze painting. Turquoise base glaze with white reserve and cobalt reign mark typical of Qianlong famille rose wares. Double-walled construction with inner cobalt-painted vase indicates advanced imperial production. Keywords Qing dynasty; porcelain; famille rose; Qianlong; double-walled vase (liangceng ping 两层瓶); openwork (toudiao 透雕); longevity lattice (shou 寿); brocade ground (jin di 锦地); Purple of Cassius; turquoise glaze; underglaze cobalt; Chinese ceramics; 18th century.