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Stem cup with Tibetan inscription and Lotus flowers
(1711-1799)
Medium
porcelain (hard-paste)
Measurements
10.7 × 10.8 cm
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.