An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Vase with Golden Pheasants1736–95
The flower-and-bird painting in this vase was intricately executed in colored enamels (<em>falangcai</em>), with careful modeling, shading, and blending of colors reflecting European influences through missionary-artists at the Qing court. The Jesuit artist Giuseppe Castiglione (1688–1766), in particular, exerted tremendous impact at the Qianlong academy.
Refined porcelains produced in Jingdezhen kilns were sent to Beijing palace workshops to be decorated in <em>falangcai</em> technique under direct imperial supervision.
porcelain painted in polychrome enamels over transparent glaze
Overall: 18.6 x 10.5 cm (7 5/16 x 4 1/8 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In a serene corner of the room, a vase captivates with its artistry—a delicate dance of colors gracing the surface of a stunning flower-and-bird painting. Each stroke, carefully executed in vibrant colored enamels, whispers the tales of a time when East met West in the swirling whispers of paint. This traditional Chinese craft, known as falangcai, unveils the intricate harmony between traditional motifs and foreign influences.
As sunlight filters through the window, it catches the meticulous modeling and shading, drawing the eye to the splendid details, where birds appear almost ready to take flight. The hues blend seamlessly—blues bleed into greens, while soft pinks swirl into the deep richness of browns—each color holding a secret waiting to be discovered.
This enchanting work is a testament to the profound influence of European art, brought to life in the hands of skilled craftspeople at the Qing court. Among them stood the remarkable Jesuit artist Giuseppe Castiglione, whose spirit and vision linger in every brushstroke. Born in Italy in 1688, Castiglione traveled across the world, eventually finding his calling at the Qianlong academy, where he mingled tradition with innovation.
His artistry transformed not only the painting techniques but also the very essence of how these artworks were perceived—a delicate fusion of Eastern elegance and Western intensity, capturing the imagination of a new age. As the vase sits quietly, it reminds us of this engaging collision of cultures, where stories of inspiration and creativity continue to blossom like the flowers depicted within.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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