Art Institute of Chicago

Altar Set

China

Date

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Jiaqing reign mark and period

Medium

Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels (famille rose)

Culture

China

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This exquisitely crafted porcelain altar set comprises a tripod censer, two pricket candlesticks with dished drip trays, and two beaker vases. While the shapes of these objects were inspired by ancient bronze vessels, the intricate patterns rendered in pastel colors showcase the newly developed porcelain enameling techniques and aesthetics of the Qing Dynasty. According to the inscriptions on each vessel, the set was commissioned by the Jiaqing emperor (reigned 1796-1820), who was the son of the mighty Emperor Qianlong.

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