A glass apart

Among the many delicate works of art invented during the time of Emperor Qianlong, what prized above all others was arguably the "gold star glass", as it was highly appreciated by Qianlong who, on occasion, personally supervised its production.

The name was derived from the process, through which metal powders were added and the finished glass yielded shimmering, reflective properties. The technical difficulty makes this type of glass a rarity — there are no more than 40 examples of it in Palace Museum's collection.

Glass artisans working at the imperial workshop were also ordered to make utensils that resemble the shapes, color arrangements and motifs of a particular porcelain or bronzeware. The current exhibition also juxtaposes glassware and its model ceramics or bronzes, giving the audience a vivid insight into the excellent craftsmanship.

Ren Wanping, deputy director of the Palace Museum, says that many glass items at the exhibition are being shown for the first time, and that it is an opportunity for people to feel the cultural traditions embodied in the various colors and shine of the glassware, as well as the eruption of creativity resulting from exchanges between the East and the West.