Vase

Art Historical Context

This exquisite vase, crafted in 18th-century China during the Qing dynasty, exemplifies the pinnacle of hardstone carving artistry. Standing at a modest 6½ inches (16.5 cm) tall, it is meticulously fashioned from carnelian—a vibrant red-orange chalcedony—and white agate, materials prized for their durability and luminous translucency. These semi-precious stones allowed artisans to create intricate designs through painstaking techniques like hollowing, polishing, and relief carving, often in imperial workshops where lapidaries showcased their virtuosity. A phoenix motif adorns the vase, a ausp...