*A PEKIN / BEIJING OVERLAY GLASS ‘MAGPIES AND PLUMS’ TAPERING VASE APOCRYPHAL MARK OF EMPEROR TONGZHI CHINA, REPUBLIC / MINGUO PERIOD It has an elongated egg-shaped body surmounted by a trumpet neck. It is adorned in yellow overlay with magpies and prunus against an opaque blue glass ground. The base bears the apocryphal mark of Emperor Tongzhi, a four-character one in kaishu script: ‘同治年製’. H: 19 cm Notes: 1. The Chinese phoenix is a mythical bird known as the fenghuang (凤凰) in Chinese. It is believed that the phoenix only makes an appearance during periods of prosperity, peace and good government. The phoenix symbolizes joy and peace and is also stands for the Empress. 2. Traditionally in China, glass was a relatively non-essential material, used for decorative and ritual purposes, and was not commonly accessible to Chinese people until the early twentieth century. The change of status for glass - from a minor material to a functional material for making vessels, lenses, and windows - occurred in the late 17th century, when glassware and scientific instruments from Europe inspired Emperor Kangxi to establish his own glass workshop under the supervision of European missionaries, whom brought the Venetian technology to China. “喜鹊与李子”玻璃花瓶，仿同治款及可能时期 中国，晚清至民国 IMPORTANT NOTICE: *This lot is under temporary importation. An extra VAT will be applied to the final invoice. The rate will depend on the final country of destination. The sole buyers based in Ireland will be subject to an extra 13,5% VAT. Please contact our office (yuchen@adams.ie) for further information. NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.