Terms and conditions of use
Stem cup with Tibetan inscription and Lotus flowers
(1711-1799)
- Medium
- porcelain (hard-paste)
- Measurements
- 10.7 × 10.8 cm
- Accession Number
- 2024.552
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Patricia Begg OAM Bequest, 2024
© Public Domain - Gallery location
- 17th & 18th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International - About this work
-
This style of vessel is inspired by Tibetan butter lamps or chang ming deng, which are traditionally placed on altars in Buddhist homes. Qing dynasty emperors publicly supported Tibetan Buddhism, which brought both political and personal benefits by ensuring solidarity with Mongolian and Tibetan allies and providing personal spiritual guidance. The Qianlong Emperor was particularly dedicated to the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and this is reflected in the many works of art and porcelain produced for the court and as imperial gifts during his reign.