Qianlong-Style Famille Rose Wugong Vessels with Yellow Ground and Red-Glazed Dragon Pattern are exquisite works of art from the Imperial Workshops of the Qing Dynasty and high-grade royal ritual vessels during the Qianlong period.
Wugong (five offerings), also known as wuxian (five sacrifices), is a set of five vessels used for sacrifice or offering. These vessels are commonly made of stone, bronze, or porcelain, covered in colored glaze or lacquer, and crafted using a wide variety of patterns and techniques.
Wugong consists of five separate vessels: a pair of gu (vases), a pair of candlesticks, and an incense burner.
The incense burner is placed in the center, with the gu and candlesticks positioned symmetrically on either side to create a balanced display.
This set of vessels represents the grand occasion of Emperor Qianlong's return to Liaoning and his paying respects to the Three Imperial Tombs.
Porcelain offering vessels were popular from the reigns of Qing emperors Qianlong to Daoguang, particularly during the Qianlong period.
Qianlong attached great importance to the royal rituals and sacrificial vessels in the ancestor worship ceremonies in Shengjing (presently Shenyang). During his four eastern inspection tours to Shengjing, all ceremonial activities were conducted mainly in accordance with the routines of the Kangxi period, which have a more detailed etiquette, a more ambitious scale, and a more elaborate scene.
This set of exquisite offering vessels is a historical witness to the heyday of the Qianlong period.
