This vase is crafted from Peking glass, featuring a red overlay on an opaque white ground. The glass is carved in high relief, depicting birds in flight and perched among leafy branches. The flared rim and footed base are smoothly finished in red glass, providing a balanced contrast to the detailed overlay work.
The body of the vase follows a traditional baluster form, with a slightly flaring neck and rounded shoulders tapering to a narrow base. The applied red glass has been meticulously carved to create a raised decorative surface, showcasing detailed avian and botanical motifs. The birds have defined wings and tail feathers, while the leaves and branches are carefully sculpted to add dimensionality to the composition.
Peking glass was developed during the Qing Dynasty, inspired by European cameo glass techniques. The production process involved layering colored glass over an opaque base and then carving away sections to reveal the design. This technique was highly refined in Chinese glass workshops, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. The bold contrast between the red overlay and the milky white ground exemplifies the visual appeal and craftsmanship associated with Peking glass vases of this type.
