Ancient Imperial Chinese Porcelain Vase with Floral Painting and Relief Background

We conducted an analytical microscopic and opto-macroscopic study of an antique Chinese vase decorated with enamels, with the aim of demonstrating that the falangcai technique originated as early as the reign of Emperor Yongzheng. The cobalt-blue four-character reign mark, traces of colloidal gold in the pink enamel, the quality of the porcelain body, the restrained and elegant style and color scheme of the painting, as well as the geometric relief of the background, all allow us to attribute the vase to the late Yongzheng period. This piece marks the beginning of broader experiments with Western enamels at the imperial court during the subsequent Qianlong reign.