A Qianlong Period Blue and White Porcelain Square Tea Cannister

A rare late 18th century blue and white porcelain tea canister, of square form, the four rectangular panelled sides decorated with imaginary and idealised Chinese landscapes, with lakes, mountains, pagodas and Chinamen.

Qianlong Period (1736-1796)

Cracj to one side restored.

This vessel finds its origins in the time-honoured Chinese tea culture. Traditionally, tea drinking was linked with social status and education. At this, Chinese scholars often frequented tea houses to share freshly brewed leaves as a sign of respect towards their elders, to celebrate family gatherings or as a method of apology. The European discovery of tea caused a sensation and tea leaves became as important and lucrative a commodity as porcelain as well as fine silks.

The surface of this vase is adorned with figurative landscapes and lakes for the delectation of the export market for which it was made.