Antique Chinese Peking Glass Archaistic Censer Cup Taotie Chilong Handles Hardwood Stand 4"

Chinese Peking Glass Archaistic Censer Cup Taotie Chilong Handles Hardwood Stand 4 Inches

A handsomely conceived Chinese Peking glass (bo li) censer-form cup in pale celadon-white glass, cast in a mold to imitate archaic carved nephrite. Two chilong (hornless dragon) handles in openwork relief flank the body, each dragon rendered with scaled body, bifurcated tail, and open mouth — the carving crisp and fully three-dimensional despite the casting process. The interior is smooth and polished, the glass displaying a soft waxy luster and subtle translucency characteristic of quality Peking glass production. Presented on a fitted hardwood altar-table stand with scroll feet, well-suited to the piece.

Dimensions: 3.75"W × 2.5"H with stand (10 × 6 cm) Weight: >1/2lb

Peking glass production — centered in Beijing under imperial patronage from the Qing dynasty onward — encompassed a wide range of forms and colors, including white and celadon-toned glass deliberately conceived as jade substitutes for the scholar's desk and display cabinet. Archaistic forms imitating bronze vessel decoration in jade-colored glass represent one of the more refined expressions of this tradition.

Condition: Excellent; no chips, cracks, or repairs noted. Glass surface even and intact throughout.

A refined and deceptive object — the mold-cast taotie relief and chilong handles successfully evoke archaic jade carving in a distinctly different medium.