Yangcai Garlic-Head Vase with Floral Patterns

Named for its bulb-shaped mouth that resembles a garlic head, this vase imitates the form of Han-dynasty bronze vessels. Its surface is fully decorated with elaborate patterns. A fine golden ground of scrolling tendrils forms the background, upon which enamel and iron-red designs of entwined flowers are painted. The painter emphasized the light and shade of petals and leaves, revealing an evident European artistic influence. The base bears a ‘Made in the Qianlong period’ seal mark in seal script.

Enamel-painted porcelain was a new type of overglaze porcelain developed under the influence of European painted enamel on copper. It began in the Kangxi period within the imperial workshops and continued production through the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods. This vase closely resembles the yangcai (foreign colours) porcelain recorded in Qing palace archives.