The Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911) was the last imperial dynasty of China. While the Qing rulers were the second dynastical family who were not of Chinese origin—they were Manchu from Manchuria (東北)in what is now northeastern China—they were able to govern the largest territory China had ever occupied. They learned that to rule China the Manchu had to become Chinese culturally and mentally. They saw themselves as protectors of Chinese literature and art.
With regard to art, Qing Dynasty art is generally viewed as a culmination of all of the art styles that had been developed during the previous 2500 years. While Qing pottery retains many of the older shapes, it is much more colorful than the former types. New materials included enamel, cloisonné, and glass ware. At times dark wooden bases for vases are used.
Shown below are photographs of some of the items which are on display at the Portland (Oregon) Art Museum’s Chinese Art gallery.
Shown above are some Chinese snuff bottles. Tobacco was originally from the Americas. In Europe, a finely chopped or powdered form of tobacco known as snuff was developed. Snuff could be directly inhaled rather than smoked. While snuff is as addictive as other forms of tobacco, the Europeans felt that it was a cure for many maladies, including headaches, indigestion, and respiratory ailments.
Snuff was introduced to the Chinese by Portuguese Jesuits in the late seventeenth century. Snuff soon became an obsession of the Qing Dynasty court and the emperor annually commissioned hundreds of snuff bottles as prestige gifts to the nobility and scholarly classes. In the nineteenth century the use of snuff spread beyond the court. Porcelain bottles, often elaborately painted or carved, were produced for the court and commoner.
Shown above is a Baluster vase with incised designs which dates to the late 19th century (Qing Dynasty). The glaze is called “chicken-fat yellow.”
The blue-and-white dragon vase shown above dates to the Qing Dynasty and, more specifically, to the Jiaqing Era (1796 to 1820).
The peachbloom-glazed vase shown above dates to the Qing Dynasty and, more specifically, to the Kangxi Era (1662 to 1722).
The conical cup shown above dates to the Qing Dynasty and, more specifically, to the Yongzheng Reign (1722 to 1735).
The brush washer shown above dates to the Qing Dynasty and, more specifically, to the Qianlong Era (1736 to 1795).
The oxblood-glazed vase shown above dates to the 19th century (Qing Dynasty).