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An overview of artistic traditions behind ancient Chinese vessels reveals that decorative themes during the Chinese Bronze Age were often strictly animal representations until decorative designs based on floral patterns imported from foreign cultures became prevalent in the Eastern Chou, Ch'in and Han dynasties. These flower-and-leaf as well as gourd-and-fruit themes, having undergone profound transformations, eventually came to be found on the refined implements that define Sung and Yuan dynasty literati culture.
Once these floral designs were merged with those from Europe, India, and Central Asia by Mughal jade artisans, they were transformed into classic Mughal-style jades and their origins became unrecognizable. When these Mughal jades reached China, the Ch'ien-lung Emperor was moved to exclaim that this flawless handiwork had to be the work of spirits or immortals.
The emperor's enthusiasm for Mughal jades incited the popularity of Islamic styles in the art market. Chinese jade workers opted to use elements such as the acanthus leaf, ram's head, shell forms, double-floral handles, and inlayed precious stones. However, these Islamic elements were sinicized and even appeared on the same vessels with traditional Chinese symbolic decorative motifs like auspicious clouds, the T'ai Chi, and references to prosperity, wealth and longevity.
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Water Container with Two Floral Handles
East Asian, Ch'ing Dynasty
Length: 13.8 cm, width: 10.5 cm,
diameter of base: 7.5 cm, height: 3.8 cm
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Small Lidded Pot with Two Floral Handles
East Asian, Ch'ing Dynasty
Maximum width: 7.8 cm,
diameter of body: 7.2 cm, height: 9.1 cm
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