QIANLONG SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

Baofu, 'wrapping cloth' was a popular decorative motif on imperial wares during the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods, commonly seen on enamelware, glassware, and porcelain. According to archival records, the Qianlong Emperor specifically commissioned the imperial workshop to create custom brocade wraps for his favoured pieces. Additionally, the design carries significant auspicious connotations, as the term, baofu, is a homophone of ‘wrapping up good luck’.

Compare to an almost identical vase of similar height (31 cm.), also bearing Qianlong six-character seal mark, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27-28 April 1997, lot 753 (fig.1).