Peking Glass: Chinese Overlay and Monochrome Glass
Peking glass refers to opaque and translucent glass produced in Beijing (Peking) and surrounding areas, primarily during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Developed under imperial patronage at the palace glass workshops established by Emperor Kangxi around 1696, Peking glass encompasses both monochrome vessels imitating jade, coral, and other precious stones, and spectacular overlay pieces in which layers of colored glass are carved in cameo relief. It represents one of China's most distinctive contributions to the decorative arts.
History and Development
Emperor Kangxi established the imperial glass workshop within the Forbidden City with the help of Jesuit missionaries, including the German priest Kilian Stumpf. Production flourished under the Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796), who commissioned glass to imitate virtually every precious material. The workshops produced glass in over forty colors. Private workshops in Beijing and Boshan (Shandong province) also produced glass throughout the 18th-20th centuries.
Types and Techniques
| Type | Description | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Monochrome | Single-color opaque glass imitating jade, coral, turquoise | 18th-20th c. |
| Overlay (cameo) | Two or more colored layers, outer layer carved in relief | 18th-20th c. |
| Snowflake ground | White "snowstorm" interior with colored overlay | 18th-19th c. |
| Faceted | Cut and polished geometric forms | 18th-19th c. |
| Enameled | Painted enamel decoration on glass body | 18th c. |
| Imperial yellow | Reserved for court use, monochrome or overlay | 18th c. |
Identification and Marks
- Imperial pieces may bear reign marks (Qianlong, Jiaqing) wheel-carved into the base
- Most Peking glass is unmarked; attribution is based on color, quality, and carving style
- Imperial workshop glass shows exceptional carving precision and translucency at thin points
- Snowflake ground is considered an indicator of 18th-century production
- Color palette and glass quality help distinguish 18th-century from 19th-20th century production
- Bubbles and inclusions are normal and not defects in period glass
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Monochrome snuff bottle, 19th c. | $100-$800 |
| Overlay snuff bottle, two-color, fine carving | $500-$5,000 |
| Imperial marked overlay vase, 18th c. | $10,000-$100,000+ |
| Monochrome bowl or vase, 19th c. | $200-$1,500 |
| Multi-color overlay vase, 19th c. | $1,000-$8,000 |
| Pair of overlay vases, matched | $2,000-$15,000 |
| Imperial yellow monochrome, 18th c. | $5,000-$50,000+ |
| Snowflake ground overlay vase | $3,000-$20,000 |
Condition Factors
- Chips and flakes in the overlay layer significantly reduce value, especially on carved motifs
- Cracks can be difficult to detect in opaque glass; examine under strong light
- Base wear and scratching are normal indicators of age and use
- Overlay carving should show crisp edges; worn or soft carving suggests heavy handling or later production
- Polishing or reworking to remove damage reduces value
- Snuff bottles should retain their original stoppers; replacement stoppers lower value
Collecting Tips
- Snuff bottles represent the most accessible entry point to Peking glass collecting, with an established specialist market
- Multi-color overlay pieces (three or more colors) are rarer and command strong premiums
- Imperial workshop quality is distinguished by the precision of the carving and the richness of the colors
- The snowflake ground technique is a reliable indicator of quality and earlier production
- Red overlay on white (snowflake) ground is the most classic and collected combination
- 20th-century production continues in Beijing workshops; these pieces have modest value but can be decorative