Muted wares temper the emperor's lavish image

Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), who ruled for much of the 18th century, is often playfully criticized for the lavish imperial ceramics commissioned during his reign. Many of these pieces combined multiple decorative motifs and technical styles, resulting in objects so intricate that they overwhelm the eye. Yet, this popular image of excess tells only part of the story.

When Qianlong ascended the throne, he inherited a prosperous empire. Its wealth enabled him to become one of China's most active cultural patrons, producing porcelain of exquisite imperial taste.