The Treasure of the Octogenarian Celebration: The Eight-Symbol Longevity Vase “清乾隆 八徵耄念之寶”

底款:八徵耄念之寶 (Inscribed as "Treasure of the Octogenarian Celebration")

"八徵耄念之寶" (Eight-Symbol Longevity Treasure) is a seal commissioned by the ministers of the Qing Dynasty to celebrate the 80th birthday of Emperor Qianlong. The seal, made from Hetian jade with entwined dragon knobs, was inscribed with "八徵耄念之寶" to mark this grand occasion. Many national treasures bear this seal, signifying their imperial provenance.

This piece, 【八徵耄念之寶瓶】 (Eight-Symbol Longevity Vase), is adorned with 粉彩釉 (famille-rose glaze) depicting peonies and features ceramic reliefs of coiled dragons. The vase is finished with a 霽藍釉 (sacrificial blue glaze), characterized by its deep, celestial blue akin to the vast night sky. The soft colors of the famille-rose glaze embellish the vase with peonies in full bloom, comparable to the legendary varieties of "魏紫" (Wei Purple) and "姚黃" (Yao Yellow). This echoes the famous saying, "唯有牡丹真國色,花開時節動京城" (Only the peony is the true national flower; its bloom stirs the capital).

The vase's design features coiled朱龍 (vermillion dragons) in relief, adding an element of imperial grandeur. This combination of vivid, noble beauty and serene elegance embodies the high classical style of imperial tribute items. The piece exudes an aura of regal splendor without losing its refined dignity, making it a masterpiece of both aesthetic and historical significance.

底款:八徵耄念之寶

「八徵耄念之寶」是清代臣工為祝賀高祖乾隆帝八十萬歲大壽(即八十歲),命刻制御寶交龍鈕和闐青玉璽銘八徵耄念之寶,故而諸多國寶上鈴印有八徵耄念之寶是為御覽之意。本件【八徵耄念之寶瓶】以粉彩釉繪牡丹圖貼花瓷雕蟠龍燒製賞瓶,施霽藍釉地,其藍幽邃,紺如深空大境,其上以軟彩繪飾牡丹圖,花形綻極大盛,魏紫姚黃差可比擬,是唯有牡丹真國色,花開時節動京城也,以貼花瓷雕朱龍蟠踞,宮苑形制貴氣艷美凌人而不失溫潤大雅,頗有御貢用器高古風流。