QIANLONG GILT SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

It is believed that pomegranate was introduced to China during the Han Dynasty by Zhang Qian. The abundance of seeds in pomegranates alludes to the expectation of family fertility in ancient China, which in turn bestowed the fruit with a sense of long-lasting vitality. Notably, the Qianlong Emperor composed numerous poems celebrating pomegranates, expressing his admiration for this remarkable fruit.

Throughout the Qing dynasty, as porcelain production reached its golden age, pomegranates, peaches, and finger citrons became a prominent decorative motif on ceramics with particular emphasis on antiquity and innovation. According to the Qing Imperial Archives, dated the 24th year of the Qianlong reign, it is stated that the Emperor was presented with a set of Buddhist garnitures, showing his favour and religious devotion. The present tazza may possibly be part of such a set of garnitures.

Compare with a similar vessel where pomegranate is also displayed with other food, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Porcelains with Cloisonne Enamel Decoration and Famille Rose Decoration, Hong Kong, 1999, p.170, pl.151(fig. 1). Compare also a tazza of smaller size, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 April 1997, lot 50 (fig. 2).