This precious compressed bottle adopted Hotan white jade from Xinjiang province. It possessed the style of Hindustan ware in Qing dynasty and held the pattern of south Asia overspread the entire form, motif, and carving skill.
Hindustan was a place name in northern region of India. Emperor Qianlong of Qing dynasty fascinated its elegant clemency; therefore substantial jade wares in good quality from India and Turkey were passed to Xinjiang province in China and paid tribute to Forbidden City in Beijing.
On the basis of “History of Qing dynasty – biography of concubine”, 214th volume stated that emperor Qianlong married a noble girl from Uyghur clan in the 18th century. She was called Rong concubine from Hezhuo family and was the daughter of Hezhalai whose title was Taiji. It was said that she naturally exuded a strong fragrance and was called fragrant concubine. In virtue of this marriage, blend of eastern and western culture entered China through abundant Islamic artifacts.
The oval-shaped bottle mouth followed with straight neck and broad bottom. Tall and flared foot was a hollow cylinder with oval foot ring. The ware apparel was decorated with lotus scrolls in low relief. The lotus showed pointy petal with multiple layers and conjoint leaf scrolls. The two handle on both sides presented leaf scrolls in S shape. The lid with bud-shaped button was embellished with a circuit of flower and leaf patterns. All the decorative patterns displayed symmetry and meticulous refinement in style of Islamic feature.
The jade bottle was carved with Hotan white jade from Xinjiang province. It has hardness of 6.5, specific gravity of 2.90 to 3.02, and average refractive index of 1.62. The white jade presented exquisite texture, milky white in little bluish tone, and partial small black spots. Besides, yellowish brown spot glorified the pure white jade.
Low relief was applied on vivid motif of this ware. The lotus was designed with concave petal. Handles on both sides used open work. This ware revealed subtle crafts in every corner. Emperor Qianlong had a saying about his favor of the delicate skill of Hindustan jade ware. “Sophisticated craftsmanship of Hindustan jade ware is superior to those from Suzhou in China”
The magnification demonstrated well polishing. The tool mark of lotus petal was in alignment that answered to ancient handicraft. The intaglio line of leaf scrolls showed no broken lines by multiple carving strokes and marks of handmade trimming on the surrounding.
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