Vessel in Bronze Color with Animal-shaped Handles

The polychrome vessel has a trumpet mouth, a contracting neck, a swelling stomach, and a flared foot ring. The bottom is incised with a Qianlong reign mark in seal script (zhuan shu).
The Qianlong reign was the pinnacle of porcelain production. At that time, artists innovated distinctive techniques including using porcelain to imitate lacquer, bamboo, wood, bronze, fruit, and animals. Porcelain wares not only imitated the shape, but also managed to achieve colors and textures similar to the original objects. These innovations were promoted by Tang Ying (1682-1756), the Ceramics Manager of the imperial kilns.
This vessel boasts a matt dark green surface decorated with golden and ferruginous dots. The design, which imitates distinctive patterns of bronze casting and patination, enhances the elegance of the vessel.