Suntory Museum of Art
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Collection
Notable Works
Snowflake glass with red overlay vase with horse-riding motif

Notable Works

Glass

Snowflake glass with red overlay vase with horse-riding motif

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Place of production or style: China
Number of components: 1
Dimensions (in cm): H. 27.4, D. (body) 13.6
Date of production: Qing period 18th century Qianlong (1736-1795)

The carving on this vase depicts two warriors, equipped with long swords, engaged in a cavalry battle, galloping through the woods. In the background are a castle on a crag; flags and spears line the castle walls. The design was produced by tapping to produce marks along the outline of the motifs; the spaces between the marks were then engraved using a file. The base is of snowflake glass, which was accidentally discovered at the imperial glass workshop. Silica powder and fine air bubbles are trapped in the glass, producing an effect like snowflakes falling.

Notable Works

Snowflake glass with red overlay vase with horse-riding motif

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART