Qianlong Blue-and-white Hexagonal Vase with Intertwining Branches of Flowers and Fruits

Passed down from earlier generations, this large-sized vase with elegant blue decorative patterns in various forms in one of the best pieces made by an official kiln during the reign (1735-1795 AD) of Emperor Qianlong. With a hexagonal transverse section, this vase has an opening with an enlarged rim, slim and tall neck, ribbed shoulders, long belly and a hexagonal base with a folded rim. Its white porcelain body with a smooth surface is covered with glaze that glimmers with mild luster. Eye-catching blue patterns are arranged in clear layers on this piece: fret motifs beneath the opening, on the shoulder and the base rim, ruyi-shaped patterns and flowering branches on the neck, and branches with flowers and fruits, lingzhi fungus and peaches, for instance, on the belly, with one differing with another among the six sides.