Chinese Brass Jar with Peking Glass

CHINESE BRASS JAR WITH PEKING GLASS
Era: Circa 1900
Origin: China
Material: Brass with Peking Glass Inlays

OVERVIEW:
An elegant Chinese brass jar featuring decorative relief work and vibrant Peking glass cabochon inlays. This ornamental vessel exemplifies the fine craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of late Qing Dynasty decorative arts, combining traditional metalwork with the prized colored glass technique that mimics precious stones.

SPECIFICATIONS:
• Height: 4 inches
• Width: 2.5 inches
• Material: Cast brass with Peking glass inlays
• Origin: China
• Period: Late Qing Dynasty (Circa 1900)
• Type: Decorative Container/Snuff Box

DESIGN ELEMENTS:
• Decoration:
- Red and green Peking glass cabochon inlays
- Leaf and botanical motif relief work
- Striking blue finial or handle
- Geometric pattern band around upper section
- Hexagonal or multi-sided form

• Artistic Features:
- Symmetrical composition
- Contrasting colored glass against brass
- Balanced proportions
- Harmonious integration of inlay work
- Traditional Chinese motifs

• Technical Features:
- Hand-cast brass construction
- Carefully set glass elements
- Precision relief carving
- Functional lid with finial
- Fine detail work in metal

CONDITION:
Excellent Antique Condition
• Warm brass patina
• Vibrant, intact glass inlays
• Well-preserved relief details
• Minor wear consistent with age
• Original finial present

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
This jar represents the sophisticated decorative arts tradition of late Qing Dynasty China when craftsmen combined traditional metalworking techniques with colored glass inlays. Peking glass (also known as Chinese glass) was developed to imitate precious and semi-precious stones, becoming highly valued in its own right. Such decorative containers were created for the affluent classes and often used to store precious items, spices, or as general ornamental pieces displaying the owner's taste and status.

DECORATIVE SUGGESTIONS:
• Asian antiquities collection display
• Curio cabinet showcase
• Scholar's desk accessory
• Decorative arts museum piece
• Paired with other Chinese objets d'art

COLLECTING NOTE:
Chinese brass and Peking glass objects from the late Qing Dynasty represent an important transitional period in Chinese decorative arts. This jar exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the era, making it a desirable collector's item for enthusiasts of Asian antiquities, decorative metalwork, and historical glass techniques. The combination of brass work and vibrant glass inlays creates both historical significance and enduring aesthetic appeal.