The vase imitates the slender and wide-mouthed shape of the archaic Gu vases. All the patterns and decoration are on a turquoise enamelled ground. The inside of the neck is enamelled with lotus flowers and scrolls. The outside is with a pattern of long ascending leaves. The central section of the vase with taotie masks. The base and inside of the vase nicely gilted. The esthetic, the shape and the decoration of the vase are typical of the taste of the emperor Qianlong for archaic references.  

Bibliography 

Chinese Cloisonné, The Pierre Uldry Collection, n° 223 et 224 

GARDNER Harry, Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Enamels, n°66 

Classics of the Forbidden City – Life in the Forbidden City, n°221