The tradition
of peach-shaped and peach-decorated vessels holds profound significance in
Chinese culture.
Dating back
thousands of years, peaches have been revered as powerful symbols of
immortality and longevity. According to ancient Taoist mythology, the divine
peaches of Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West) ripen only once every 3,000
years in her celestial garden.
Those
fortunate enough to consume these fruits would be granted immortality - making
the peach perhaps the most auspicious fruit in Chinese decorative arts.
Peach boxes
gained distinct prominence during the Qing dynasty, particularly under the
Yongzheng Emperor’s reign (1722–1735), a period celebrated for refinement and
innovation in porcelain artistry.
During this
era, the peach—an enduring emblem of longevity and immortality in Chinese
folklore—became a favored motif in imperial ceramics. The Yongzheng court
elevated porcelain craftsmanship, favoring intricate, delicate designs infused
with symbolic meaning.
These
peach-shaped boxes were more than functional containers; they were coveted
gifts intended for birthdays and other significant celebrations, symbolizing
wishes for enduring health and eternal life.
Their form
and decoration merged art and cultural philosophy beautifully: the peach
symbolizes the immortals’ fruit from Chinese mythology, promising longevity,
while the box itself conveyed respect and auspicious blessings.
In the
Yongzheng period, these objects embodied the era’s elegance and spiritual
symbolism, reflecting the emperor’s refined tastes and the era’s cultural
devotion to harmony, longevity, and prosperity.
This
particular peach box (in link below) features eight exquisitely painted
peaches - a number representing good fortune in Chinese culture.
The famille
rose technique (known in Chinese as fencai or “soft colors”) allows for subtle
gradations of pink to represent the peaches in various stages of ripeness.
Each peach is
meticulously rendered with delicate shading transitioning from soft yellows to
vibrant pinks, symbolizing the transformation from mortal to immortal states.
What makes
this piece truly extraordinary is its uniqueness. While the design itself was
popular during the Yongzheng period, appearing on dishes and bowls, to find it
on a box is exceptionally rare.
The craftsmanship exemplifies the technical mastery achieved during Yongzheng’s reign - considered the pinnacle of famille rose porcelain production.
The
emperor himself was known for his discerning taste and demanded perfection from
imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, resulting in pieces of unparalleled refinement.
Question - If you were hunting for a Yongzheng peach box, what matters most to you: flawless condition, rock-solid provenance, or an unusually rare design?
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-Om2FPikm4
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